Reds to the Finals

Liverpool 2 - Chelsea 1 - Final

Well Chelsea didn't make it easy.

At the hour mark, the Blues brought on Damian Duff and Joe Cole for Hernan Crespo and Geremi and immediately tightened the screws. Liverpool brought on Cisse for Crouch and Morientes for Garcia, but both were disappointing placeholders for the final 20 minutes. Chelsea really controlled play, and most of the final 30 minutes was in the Liverpool end.

The Reds also subbed Djimi Traore for Harry Kewell, who was clearly hurting, but like the other two, Traore had no where near the impact of Kewell.

Luis Garcia had to miss three golden opportunities before getting Liverpool's second in the 51st minute. Good thing, as that screwhead Drogba got one back for Chelsea at 70 minutes with a brave header of a high pass just before Reina's arrival.

The Reds are heading to Cardiff to face Middlesborough or West Ham.

Whew.