Why Chelsea Can't Afford Defeat to Liverpool in Capital One Cup Semi-Final

History repeats itself; first as tragedy, second as farce.

A decade on and here we are once more, preparing for a major semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

In 2005 it was the Champions League, but don't be fooled into thinking the Capital One Cup doesn't hold just as much significance this time around.

It does.

Jose Mourinho has admitted himself that it's only trophies that will determine the legacy of his current Chelsea team, and failure to overcome Liverpool over two legs will be as farcical as the goal that crushed their Champions League dream 10 years ago.

In an era of goal-line technology, any debate surrounding Luis Garcia's "ghost goal" would have been over in seconds, yet it's still a moot point for both sets of supporters.

Liverpool fans say the ball was over the line, Chelsea fans the opposite. Obviously.

Does it matter? Not anymore. Plenty of water has flowed under that bridge. The referee awarded the goal and Liverpool eventually won the European Cup for a fifth time.

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Chelsea themselves had already lifted the League Cup—notably by defeating Liverpool in the final—and the Premier League the weekend ahead of their trip to Anfield, but defeat in the Champions League took the shine off what was an incredible season.

Now 2014/15 is hinting at building to a similar crescendo, Mourinho and his players can't allow Liverpool to come between them and glory once more.

The Capital One Cup is the first step on their march to greatness, and they must stride along with all the confidence of a team going on to bigger and better things.

Indeed, the parallels between Chelsea and Liverpool from 10 years ago and now are striking.

Chelsea are chasing their dream of domestic and European dominance under Mourinho, while Liverpool are led by a young, up-and-coming manager, still working out what type of club they want to be.

Not much has changed.

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For Brendan Rodgers, it's about signs of progress—victories here, development there. Liverpool know trophies aren't always a realistic target, and by reaching a semi-final, anything beyond this point is arguably success.

In contrast, Mourinho and his players need to be winning things. And now.

Chelsea have the players, the strength and characters to pull it off. They're ready and must show the rest of English football they're worth the hype.

Success is best reflected in tangible measures, and they come in no better form than silverware sat in the trophy cabinet.

"We've got top, top players but, as I've said before, until we go and win things, it’s not there yet, and that will be the test," club captain John Terry told the Chelsea website this week.

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"

We've shown during the first half of the season that we’re capable of pushing the top sides and that’s what we aim to do.

There’s a motivation in the dressing room to win the league and push on in the Capital One Cup, Champions League and FA Cup.

At this stage, to still be involved in all competitions is where you want to be, and it’s down to big players to step up.

"

This semi-final represents the opportunity to do that.

Fail, and where does this Chelsea team go? Are their players the big characters we've salivated over for much of the campaign? Does Chelsea, the club, lack the mettle to win when it matters most?

On trophies alone, Chelsea have been England's most successful club this past decade. Dynasties are built on so much more, as Liverpool supporters like to remind Chelsea fans.

Now's the time to get building Mourinho's second coming for real.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes