Liverpool is Devastated by Own Goal in 1-1 Draw with Chelsea

In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Semifinal soccer match between Liverpool and Chelsea, Liverpool only tied Chelsea 1-1 in a game that Liverpool should have won by at least one goal and perhaps more. The game between the reds and the blues was played on Liverpool's home field, Anfield, in Liverpool, England, April 22^nd at 8:45 pm.

In the 43^rd minute, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt began the scoring by nutmegging Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, from just outside the six yard box. Prior to the less-than-spectacular goal, the ball bounced around Chelsea's defensive end, but was failed to be cleared. Following a miss-kicked ball up into the air, Liverpool's Ryan Babel appeared to be positioned offside. However, Ryan Babel did not pursue the ball that Dirk Kuyt was able to advance on, allowing him to score Liverpool's only goal in his team's tie against Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Semifinal.

Liverpool beat Chelsea in total shots (11-7), shots on target (7-3), corners (6-5) and time of ball possession (55%-45%) and had various chances to add to their 1-0 lead in the second half. Xabi Alonso had his moments for Liverpool and Captain Steven Gerrard had a close shot late in the game. However, the Champions League Semifinal game that looked to be in the palm of Liverpool's hands disintegrated very late in the game.

In the 95^th minute, mere moments before the end of the game, Liverpool defender John Arne Riise attempted to clear a Chelsea cross with a diving header. However, Riise - who was subbed into the game - ended up scoring an own goal, tying the game 1-1 for Chelsea. The 1-1 tie is devastating for Liverpool, who must now travel away for the second leg of the Champions League Semifinal.

The second leg of the Champions League Semifinal will take place on Chelsea's home field, Stanford Bridge, on April 30^th. Liverpool is scoreless in their last eight soccer matches at Chelsea's home field, Stanford Bridge. The winner of semifinal will match up against the winner of the Barcelona / Manchester United semifinal matchup, which will be decided April 29^th.

To review how Liverpool beat Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal to advance to the Semifinal see Captain Steven Gerrard Propels Liverpool Over Arsenal, 4-2 and Liverpool Holds on to Tie Arsenal 1-1.

In the bigger picture, the Champions League Semi-Final potentially means more for Liverpool, who does not have any other chances at acquiring trophy hardware. On the other hand, Chelsea remains in the hunt in the Premier League Standings, ranked second in points behind Manchester United. Liverpool only ranks fourth in the Premier League Standings - eight points behind Chelsea and eleven points behind Manchester United.

More information can be found at: www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/index.html#.