Powerful Chelsea put Liverpool to the sword
Branislav Ivanovic celebrates the first of his two headed goals
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Wednesday, 08, Apr 2009 10:32
Chelsea have gained a crucial advantage in their Champions League quarter-final with Liverpool after coming from a goal down to win 3-1 at Anfield.
Fernando Torres gave the Reds an early lead but a brace from defender Branislav Ivanovic and a breakaway goal from Didier Drogba put the Blues in control of the tie.
Liverpool's defence at set plays was exposed on two occasions as Ivanovic was left unmarked twice to head past Pepe Reina.
Guus Hiddink's men completely took control of the match in the second half and the only downside on their night was a yellow card for captain John Terry that will force him to miss the second leg.
There were few signs of what was to come when Torres put the home side in front after five minutes.
A half-cleared corner fell to Dirk Kuyt who played in Alvaro Arbeloa down the right flank. The Spaniard produced an accurate cross which Torres converted with aplomb.
Chelsea responded well and could have levelled things two minutes later but Drogba sent his shot straight at Reina when he was one-on-one.
Later in the first half Florent Malouda and Drogba saw shots go narrowly wide of the target as the pressure began to build on the Liverpool goal.
Ten minutes from half-time the Blues' good play got its reward when Malouda's corner found Ivanovic in acres of space and he headed in to make it 1-1.
Liverpool began the second half brightly but struggled to penetrate Chelsea's defence when they had possession.
This seemed to play into the Blues' hands, allowing them to counter-attack to devastating effect. Drogba should have made it 2-1 on one such break but his shot was cleared off the line by Jamie Carragher.
But Chelsea did not have to wait long to take the lead and they did so with a mirror image of their first. A corner from the left wing found Ivanovic in space and the Serbian headed home once more.
Another break handed Chelsea their third goal five minutes later. Michael Ballack started the move in his own half and brilliantly released Malouda down the left.
The Frenchman crossed for Drogba who tapped home his easiest chance of the match from six yards out.
The three away goals for Chelsea means Liverpool will have a mountain to climb next week at Stamford Bridge, needing to at least match the Blues' haul at Anfield to force extra-time.