Liverpool's Champions League Dream Ended by Chelsea: Where Did It All Go Wrong?

Columnist Written on April 14, 2009

LONDON - APRIL 14: Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates the own goal scored by Pepe Reina of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on April 14, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

The mind is still swirling after a stunning encounter in the Champions League quarterfinal between Liverpool and Chelsea.

No one could have possibly predicted a 12-goal thriller that saw Chelsea emerge 7-5 aggregate winners.

But what went wrong for Liverpool and what lessons can be learned from this defeat?

1. Keeping it tight

Rafa's Liverpool thrived most in Europe in close, tight matches that saw them emerge as winners by an odd goal. This tie was extraordinarily open, making for an exceptional spectacle but a lower chance of a Liverpool victory.

Rafa's tactics were either ignored or completely gung-ho and the Reds suffered as a result.

2. Set piece play

Branislav Ivanovic. Branislav sodding Ivanovic.

The Serb had never previously scored for Chelsea, yet notched two at Anfield and caused problems in the Reds back line at Stamford Bridge. When it works, zonal marking is effective. When it is exploited, it is made to look amateurish.

Defending from corners and free kicks was better in the second leg, but could still be improved.

3. Substitutions

At 3-2 in the second leg, the tie looked dead and buried. Taking off Fernando Torres, though, was the ultimate admission of defeat and it can't have given the players much of a lift. However, this was not the substitution that cost Liverpool the match.

Taking off Javier Mascherano instead of Lucas was a serious error in judgement on Benitez's part. Lucas might have scored a speculative, deflected effort but his failure to track back and watch Frank Lampard's runs into the box cost two goals.

Ask any Liverpool fan—Mascherano is a vital part of the Liverpool system. His work ethic and shielding in front of the back line is second to none and should be preserved until there is no alternative.

4. Steven Gerrard

Even if Liverpool's talismanic captain didn't step onto the pitch, the sheer psychological factor that he was there as an option would have been a boon for his teammates.

If he came on with 10 minutes to go and the Reds needing one more goal to go through, the men on-field might have truly believed they could do it. His sheer presence, even without being 100 percent, could have been enough.

What else do you see went wrong for Liverpool in the Champions League? Agree/Disagree? Please comment below.

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written on April 14, 2009 Game Recap

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