Match Report: Chelsea 4 - 4 LiverpooL

Chelsea denied Liverpool the glory of another sensational European comeback to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Liverpool, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield, stunned the Blues with two first-half goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso, who scored a penalty.

Chelsea's defensive frailties, exposed so clinically by Bolton in the Barclays Premier League at the weekend, looked like costing them a place in the last four as Liverpool, without their talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard, threatened to pull off another miracle.

But the Blues looked home and dry after producing a sensational comeback of their own - scoring three times in the second half to lead 6-3 on aggregate at one stage.

Yet this incredible contest took another twist when Liverpool scored twice in as many minutes through Lucas and Dirk Kuyt to leave them just one goal adrift of an incredible victory.

However, Lampard's second of the night in the 89th minute secured a 4-4 draw on the night and a 7-5 Chelsea win on aggregate.

The home side had been outplayed in the opening 45 minutes and had barely threatened to get on the scoresheet despite coach Guus Hiddink's pre-match assertion that Chelsea would go for more goals.

They had to wait until six minutes after the break for the goal which eased the growing pressure on their ambitions of reaching the final in Rome.

Didier Drogba's effort was deflected into the back of the net by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina, and a stunning 25-yard free-kick from Brazilian defender Alex then looked to have eased any remaining worries.

When Frank Lampard added a third in the 76th minute the tie seemed to be effectively all over, but Liverpool had other ideas.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had always maintained that the first goal would be the most important but when Kuyt collected a pass from Yossi Benayoun and fired over in the 13th minute, he could have been forgiven for thinking that perhaps the task ahead was indeed far too great.

But six minutes later Liverpool were in dreamland when they punished Lampard's push on Kuyt in spectacular fashion.

With everyone expecting the free-kick from the right of goal to be pumped high into the centre of the penalty area, Aurelio stunned everyone, including the flat-footed Petr Cech, by firing his 30-yard effort straight into the bottom near corner of the net.

Referee Luis Cantalejo then rightly awarded Liverpool a penalty when Chelsea's first-leg goal hero Branislav Ivanovic clearly held back Alonso.

The Liverpool midfielder stepped up to beat Cech and suddenly the impossible seemed possible.

Chelsea had Cech to thank for keeping them on level terms on aggregate when he tipped away a header from Kuyt in the final minute of the opening half.

Hiddink's side needed a goal to take the sting out of Liverpool's motivation and it arrived somewhat fortunately in the 51st minute.

Nicolas Anelka, a 35th-minute replacement for the poor Salomon Kalou, crossed low from the right and Drogba got a touch on the ball, with Reina only able to turn it over the line.

Chelsea made it 2-2 on the night when Jamie Carragher's foul on Drogba was punished by a fierce 25-yard free-kick by Alex.

With 14 minutes remaining Liverpool's dreams looked finished when Drogba crossed for Lampard to apply the finish.

But a long-range effort from Lucas was deflected off Michael Essien and beyond Cech in the 81st minute and, somewhat astonishingly, Kuyt put Liverpool 4-3 ahead on the night with a six-yard header two minutes later.

But with Liverpool needing one more goal for a glorious victory in this emotional week on Merseyside, 20 years on from the Hillsborough disaster, Lampard ended a stunning contest with his second of the night in the last minute.

Chelsea will face Barcelona in the last four but only after Liverpool had pushed them all the way in a pulsating contest that was a marvellous showcase for English and European football.

Benitez must have wished that Gerrard had been fit enough to play as his contribution may well have been the telling one, on a night when the Reds almost managed to achieve the unthinkable.

Benitez Expects Gerrard Recovery

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez is hoping Steven Gerrard will be fit enough for the Premier League run-in after his groin problem flared up again.

The midfielder had been expected to appear at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday, but did not even make the subs bench.

Benitez revealed: "He felt something, so he was unavailable.

"We felt he could be available but he wasn't. But it's not serious and hopefully he will be OK."

What was originally viewed as a relatively minor thigh injury sustained at Anfield in the first-leg defeat to Chelsea soon developed into a more serious complication.

Gerrard played no part in the 4-0 League win over Blackburn last weekend after Benitez had said the club needed to manage him carefully over the final weeks of the season.

And he had to watch from the directors' box as Liverpool and Chelsea fought out an epic 4-4 draw in the quarter-final second leg, with Chelsea advancing 7-5 on aggregate.

Next Tuesday's showdown at home to Arsenal looks the toughest of Liverpool's remaining six matches as they hunt their first League title since 1990.

Benitez said Gerrard picked up a niggle in the final training session at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and said it was "an easy decision" not to play the 28-year-old.

"To lose a key player is always important and especially a player like Gerrard but credit to the other players because they did a fantastic job," he went on.

"Maybe the result is a positive because we saw we can score four goals here and we can do the same in any stadium. We can win a lot of games with this mentality.

"We showed character, quality and we have to be really proud. The fans will be very pleased with the team."

Liverpool Left To Rue Absence Of Steven Gerrard

You could interpret the decision one of two ways. Either Rafa Benitez was convinced Liverpool stood no chance (rather unlikely for a manager indebted to the miracle of Istanbul), or he just did not want to risk his talismanic captain four days before Arsenal’s visit to Anfield.

That Premier League encounter, after all, always offered more hope than last night’s trip to Stamford Bridge. The worst possible scenario, therefore, would have been a less-than-fully-fit Steven Gerrard turning out last night and aggravating his suspect groin in a match that saw Chelsea through to the Champions League semi-finals anyway.

Double whammy time. A big gamble gone wrong, one that Benitez could end up regretting for quite some time. Failing to pull back a 3-1 deficit is one thing, but messing up your title chances along the way would undoubtedly go down as a reckless mistake.

As a result, Benitez trusted in his squad by forgetting about Gerrard (who had felt some discomfort beforehand), and deploying instead Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt in the wide positions, with Lucas playing slightly ahead of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in central midfield.

Knowing he couldn’t possibly replicate the intuitive partnership of Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Benitez went another way, one which had Chelsea reeling for large parts of this thriller.

Lucas, we know, possesses neither the speed nor the energy to fill Gerrard’s boots. Consequently, the young Brazilian never threatened to run beyond Torres or even get very close to dangerously linking up. Ironic, really, that he should score a deflected goal just after Torres had gone off.

The system, in fairness, hadn’t helped Torres, who endured one of his quieter games trying to lose Chelsea’s two centre-halves. It’s not that ‘El Nino’ dislikes playing up front on his own. On the contrary, he loves working the channels as a lone striker as long as support arrives from behind on cue.

Unfortunately for him, that didn’t happen here, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex comfortably combining to tie down the frustrated Spaniard, replaced late on by David N’Gog.

Yet it was a much different story out on the flanks where Kuyt and Benayoun enjoyed a marvelous time. Grafting away with a good deal of thought, they actually represented Liverpool’s greatest attacking threat by choosing their moments to duck inside.

Sat on the front row of the directors’ box, the watching Gerrard couldn’t fail to be impressed. It had been a wonderfully spirited performance bristling with defiance, craft and character.

But for Chelsea’s aggressive response in the second half, another incredible comeback would have transpired. No wonder Benitez was quietly delighted afterwards. His precious team ethic, where no one part is more important than the whole, had prevailed again to push Chelsea all the way in this spellbinding match.

The knock-on effect can only be positive in terms of Liverpool’s assault on the Premier League. Yes, what seemed like an unfeasibly tall order at the outset had ultimately proved exactly that, but the losers left London, not just with their pride intact, but infused with even more belief in their capabilities.

Better still, Gerrard should be fit for Arsenal this weekend. Rarely could a defeat feel so uplifting.

Rafael Benítez Takes Heart For Final Rounds Of Liverpool's Title Fight

Rafael Benítez insisted Liverpool would return to their Premier League title challenge with renewed self-belief after taking pride and encouragement from their Champions League exit at Chelsea last night.

The Liverpool manager admitted "one or two mistakes" says we undermined his team's remarkable recovery at Stamford Bridge, with Jose Reina caught out at his near post for Chelsea's opening goal, but was in no mood for recriminations following a performance that took Guus Hiddink's team to the wire despite trailing 3–1 from the first leg.

"We saw character, quality and we have to be really proud," said Benítez, who has now exited the Champions League at this venue for two successive seasons. "The players did a fantastic job and the fans can be very pleased with the team. We were on top of them from the beginning and did a fantastic job. Credit to all the players, especially Lucas in the middle in [Steven] Gerrard's position. We were very, very close."

Benítez denied fatigue played a part in Liverpool's dramatic aggregate defeat and was unhappy at the performance of the Spanish referee, Luis Medina Cantalejo. He said: "When you play against a good team like Chelsea and make a mistake, you pay for it. We were attacking, controlling it, but one or two mistakes and that's it. We had 29 fouls against us, too. I prefer not to talk too much about the referee. Twenty nine fouls against us. We are not happy with the result at the end. I said congratulations to Guus and all the best for the Champions League, but I was not happy."

Despite the result, the Liverpool manager claimed his players would take heart from scoring four goals at Stamford Bridge – a feat they also achieved at Old Trafford – into their remaining six games in the Premier League. "Clearly, when you lose, you have to be disappointed," Benítez added. "But to lose in this way, you have to be proud and start thinking about the Premier League. We showed we could score four goals here at Stamford Bridge and we can do that in any stadium now."

Liverpool were without Steven Gerrard for the second leg after their captain aggravated an adductor strain on the eve of the game. "We thought he'd be OK but he felt something," admitted Benítez. "It was an easy decision in the end. We saw before that we have a good squad, with very important players like [Fernando] Torres and Gerrard who can score lots of goals, but we showed the rest of the players can do that too. I think Gerrard will be OK for Arsenal [next Tuesday]. We thought he'd be available today, but hopefully he will be fine."

Benítez also defended his decision to withdraw Fernando Torres late on. He explained: "I thought it was going to be difficult [when he took Torres off], so I thought I'd change and put more quality on. Different players can do different things. It can go one way or the other."

Liverpool's Former Football Greats Remember Hillsborough

Merseyside footballing greats have recalled their reactions to the horror of Hillsborough on the eve of the disaster's 20th anniversary.

Speaking ahead of today's emotional memorial service at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish, the Reds' boss at the time, told the BBC the authorities should have delayed the game.

He said: "That's no problem for anybody.

"If the police are talking to the FA and the FA had made that call, there wouldn't have been any resentment or disagreement with the people in the dressing room, neither Brian Clough (the Forest manager at the time) or ourselves certainly.

"It's something that everybody wished had never happened but I think it's also something that nobody should forget."

Current club vice-captain Jamie Carragher, 31, relived the moment he realised the full extent of the Hillsborough disaster.

Speaking to LFC TV, the defender said he was watching boyhood favourites Everton play Norwich in the other FA Cup semi.

"I just remember an announcement at half-time that the Liverpool game had been abandoned," he said.

"It was before mobile phones so no one really understood what was going on. But obviously we knew there was a problem."

Paying tribute to the families for their conduct in the aftermath, he added: "We should never forget and we realise what it means to the club."

Goalscoring hero Ian Rush, who was in the Liverpool side that played at Hillsborough, insists that the fight for justice must continue.

He said: "The build-up to this anniversary has brought back some really bad memories which have made my conviction even stronger that the fight for justice must go on.

"The families deserve justice and I hope that one day they will finally get it.

"My thoughts and prayers will be with them and with the 96. We will never forget what happened that terrible day."

Club captain Steven Gerrard, 28, lost a cousin - Jon-Paul Gilhooley, who was only 10 - at Hillsborough.

He remembered going to bed the night of the tragedy praying the death toll did not rise.

He said: "Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed.

"And seeing the reactions of his mum, dad and family helped me drive on to become the player I have developed into today."

Gerrard will, as usual, lead the Liverpool players at today's service.

But Anfield will also be full of Evertonians eager to pay their respects and join the bid for justice.

Toffees boss David Moyes said: "I do not think it only unites this city, it unites the whole country because everybody felt the disaster.

"It could have been any football club, it just turned out to be Liverpool. That situation then could have happened to anyone at that time.

"It is something that hopefully we will never see again."

Liverpool Owner Tom Hicks Feels Pressure Over American Sports Debts

Creditors of Liverpool owner Tom Hicks have formally declared his company Hicks Sports Group in default on debts of $525 million (£351million). The figure was raised against his American sports interests the Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise and the Texas Rangers baseball team.

Hicks, who maintains that his American interests are entirely separate from his 50 per cent holding in Liverpool, was formally served with a default notice last week after missing a $10 million quarterly interest payment due on the loans.

The Texan financier is seeking to renegotiate the terms of the loans with a consortium of more than 40 banks led by Galatioto Sports Partners, a New York sports financing group that has lent HSG nearly $100 million.

Hicks insists that his decision to miss the payment is a negotiating tactic designed to force the banks to renegotiate in the light of the credit crisis.

The default notice signals the possibility that Hicks could ultimately lose control of the Stars and the Rangers, but a source close to Hicks said that would require the co-operation of National Hockey League and Major League Baseball commissioners, and that they were both supportive of the owner.

Hick's issues in the United States will raise further concern among Liverpool supporters about the club's future. Hicks and co-owner George Gillett are in negotiations with Royal Bank of Scotland over extending a £350 million loan secured in part against the club that comes up in July.

The pair are searching for a third-party investor willing to take a share in the club and help pay down the debt.

Hicks said he would continue to cover the cash needs of the two American franchises going forward while searching for fresh investors, but that he would not make interest payments until the banks come to the table.

"I'm confident that I'll be able to reach agreement with 51 per cent of the lenders because I will be able to fund all the cash needs of the two teams during the period that I'm bringing in new partners, which will help us to drastically reduce if not eliminate HSG's debt,'' Hicks told the Wall Street Journal.

Cities Mark Hillsborough Anniversary

Liverpool will come to a standstill today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The bells of the city's two cathedrals and its civic buildings will ring out in memory of the 96 football fans who died at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium two decades ago.

Its public transport will come to a stop for two minutes at 3.06pm, exactly 20 years since the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

Thousands of people will attend an emotional memorial service at Anfield's Kop when 96 candles will be lit and a representative of each family will be awarded the Freedom of Liverpool.

Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said: "Hillsborough affected so many lives, not just on Merseyside but across the whole of the UK.

"I attended the match 20 years ago and the passing years do not diminish the importance and the poignancy of this occasion."

Sheffield will mark the anniversary of Britain's worst sporting disaster quietly.

After consultation with the Liverpool families' organisations, there will be no formal ceremony at Wednesday's ground.

The Leppings Lane end - where the disaster happened - will be opened, though, and there are three different memorials within a few hundred yards of the ground to provide a local focus.

In Nottingham there will be a two-minute silence in the city's Old Market Square beginning at 3.06pm.

The event in the city is being led by the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Nottingham and there will also be public silences in four different suburbs of the city; in Bulwell, Clifton, Hyson Green and Sherwood.

Football fans attending the events are asked to wear their team's colours, whichever club they support.

An inquiry into the disaster - presided over by Lord Justice Taylor - criticised senior police officers on duty at the match for a "failure of control" and recommended the introduction of all-seater stadia.

Families of the 96 remain determined to fight for further inquiries into the deaths.

They believe a Major Incident Plan was never initiated by South Yorkshire police and Liverpool fans were denied emergency medical attention.

A single inquest was held covering all the victims, recording a verdict of accidental death.

Anne Williams, who lost her son Kevin, 15, is preparing for a fourth legal bid to reopen his inquest.

Mrs. Williams, 66, from Chester, disputes official records which state all the fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough were dead or brain dead by 3.15pm.

She said: "It is a big can of worms but it needs to be opened because the verdict of accidental death is wrong.

"Why has no individual or group been held to account for the worst disaster in British sporting history?"

Benitez - We Must Never Forget

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has explained how he has come to understand the full extent of the Hillsborough disaster.

Anfield's manager, now 49, was coaching Real Madrid's youth teams in Spain when the tragedy happened on April 15, 1989, leading to the deaths of 96 Liverpool supporters.

With the 20th anniversary of the disaster coming up on Wednesday, Benitez said: "In Spain we didn't really realise the real problem initially, but after hearing the stories on the news we then realised the full extent.

"But after I became Liverpool manager in 2004 I have received a lot of information from the people and staff at the club, so it has helped me understand just how important it is for the people here."

Now Benitez believes Liverpool's foreign players should also fully understand the tragedy that has changed the face of the club and football in England.

He said: "It is important not just for the foreign players but everyone in football. It was a tragedy that was so important, it is vital it is remembered.

"I think that for the fans of football in any country, for any club, it is important to remember what happened."

Benitez is a strong family man, and he says: "You look at your own daughters and imagine what it would be like for yourself, it is then you realise what a disaster it would be to be involved in something like that.

"You think about this when you are reading the names (of the 96 who died), you see the families and you can see what it means for everyone.

"I have been really impressed with the families and the effort they are putting in to retain good memories of the victims of Hillsborough.

"The families are doing really well trying to keep the good memories of the people, and you can see the staff here have always been there for them, and will always be there trying to support the families, the club will always be behind them.

"The first time I attended the memorial service I was amazed to see the people and the respect they showed. Every year when we go it is similar because you can feel what the families are feeling."

Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez Targeted By Liverpool

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Premier League club Liverpool are keen to add Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez to their squad this summer.

The 20-year-old midfielder is highly-rated in Spain and cost los Leones €6 million (£5.3m) when they signed him as a 17-year-old from Osasuna in 2006.

The 6ft 3in star has since made 95 first team appearances for the Rojiblancos in three seasons at San Mames, scoring nine goals.

However, it is claimed that Liverpool will face competition for the seven-time capped Spain Under-21 international. Serie A club Fiorentina are also rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.

10 things you need to know about the Liverpool target:

1) Javier 'Javi' Martínez Aguinaga was born in September 1988 in Pamplona – the town in Navarre famed for its loco bull run.

2) He joined Osasuna’s juniors after a trial as a 10-year-old, later taking his professional bow for Osasuna B back in 2005, netting twice in 32 games.

3) His performances with Osasuna B convinced Athletic Bilbao to shell out 6m euros for the powerful central midfielder in the summer of 2006.

4) The highlight of his first season in Bilbao was a superb brace against Deportivo La Coruña in December in a 2-0 away win.

5) The 6’ 3” midfielder soon became a regular in the Athletic team and totted up an impressive 35 games for the club in the 2006-07 season.

6) Martínez impressed in his second season at the San Mamés, too, and has been a big influence in his team’s impressive Spanish Cup run. They face La Liga’s runaway leaders Barcelona in the final next month.

7) He has played for both the Spanish Under-19 and U-21 teams and is widely thought to be close to a call up for the full national team.

8) Liverpool were reported to be close to signing Martínez two years ago, and a Premier League move could tempt him as he admitted he enjoyed the “wonderful atmosphere” in the English league watching on TV. Fiorentina have also kept tabs on his development.

9) He has been compared to Patrick Vieira, and Martinez looks to have a touch of the Steven Gerrard too in his driving run to set up a goal.

10) When Liverpool were linked with Martinez in 2007, it was reported he had a £17.1million release clause in his contract – with the way sterling has weakened against the euro, the Reds’ owners will be hoping that price tag has come down.

Agger In Demand - Barcelona Join The Race To Sign Liverpool's Great Dane

Daniel Agger has moved a step nearer an Anfield exit after Barcelona made it clear they want to sign the Liverpool defender at the end of the season.

Barcelona's interest emerged on the eve of Liverpool's attempt to overhaul Chelsea's commanding Champions' League advantage at Stamford Bridge tonight, and was confirmed by senior sources at the Nou Camp.

Manager Pep Guardiola has monitored Agger's recent return to Liverpool's starting line-up and been impressed with his ability to bring the ball out of defence and set up attacks.

The Denmark centre-back provided another reminder of his adventurous approach on Saturday, when he sidestepped a Blackburn challenge and beat former England keeper Paul Robinson from 30 yards in Liverpool's 4-0 win, and it further enhanced his reputation in the Catalan capital.

Guardiola's attack-minded side are already running away with the Primera Liga title, as well as making a spectacular impact on the Champions' League, but the former Barca midfielder feels there is room for improvement at the back and has made Agger his top summer target.

It is a further concern for Rafa Benitez, despite his repeated claims that agreement will be reached with the 24-year old over renewing a contract that runs out at the end of next season.

Talks have stalled over an opening request for a double-your-money deal worth close on ?70,000-a-week, while Agger has also spelled out his misgivings at frequently finding himself behind Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel for the two centre-back berths.

He is in no hurry to commit himself and is believed to have indicated to friends that he will delay any decision until the summer, when he will weigh up a variety of options.

Apart from more negotiations with Liverpool and a likely approach from Barcelona, Agger can be sure of an offer from AC Milan after Carlo Ancelotti underlined his intention to instal the former Brondby centre-half as the cornerstone of a new-look defence at the San Siro.

Alvaro Negredo Refuses To Rule Out Liverpool Move

Alvaro Negredo today refused to rule out a move to Liverpool by asking 'Who wouldn't like to play alongside Fernando Torres?'

The Almeria striker is widely believed to be leaving the Spanish club this summer and plenty of top teams around Europe are thought to be interested in securing his signature.

With Liverpool lacking an international class striker to play up front alongside Torres, Negredo could be just the solution, and speaking to El Almeria, he was coy on the subject.

"Who would not be happy to play for such a team as Liverpool alongside Fernando Torres, considering their form in the league?" he said.

"I would like to test myself there, but it depends on Real Madrid [who insisted on a buy-back clause when he left the Bernabeu for Almeria] and I have no idea of what is going to happen. At the moment, I am focused on Almeria, who gave me the chance to make my league debut."

Certainly the striker has plenty of admirers around Europe and his form this season has been superb for Almeria, nearly earning him a call-up to the Spain squad.

He admits that he is prepared to wait for his chance to play for the national team and looked at some of those ahead of him in the pecking order.

"I am grateful to be spoken about by the coach. Only a few are chosen and I would like to be in the list, but one must be patient, because these things come with work and effort," he explained.

"[David] Villa is small, he has quality and plays well off defenders. [Fernando] Torres has incredible power, [Dani] Guiza is ready and willing. I think that perhaps I am more like Fernando and Joseba Llorente because we are big and know how to play with our feet too."

Match Preview: Chelsea vs. LiverpooL

Chelsea and Liverpool confounded most of the footballing world by serving up a thrilling quarter-final first leg at Anfield last week.

Expected to be the usual dour war of attrition, the game was instead a super spectacle with Guus Hiddink’s men producing a fantastic display to run out 3-1 winners.

Yet it had all started so promisingly for the Reds who opened the scoring after only six minutes courtesy of Fernando Torres.

However, the Blues stormed back to take full control of the game with Branislav Ivanovic bagging a brace before Didier Drogba added the icing on the cake with the third away goal.

The win has filled Chelsea with optimism and the Blues are now daring to dream that this may finally be the year in which they conquer Europe.

Liverpool, meanwhile, must now travel to west London knowing they have to score three times, without reply, if they are to maintain their Champions League dreams.

Of course the Merseysiders are no strangers to sensational comebacks and with three goals required, memories of their 2005 Champions League win resurface.

The Reds were famously trailing AC Milan 3-0 at half-time in the final before roaring back to level the game and then eventually prevailing on penalties.

Whilst that comeback was remarkable, something similarly brilliant will be required on Wednesday if they are to knock Chelsea out and book themselves a semi-final date with either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

Although it looks a tall order there are signs that this game is not quite over and that Liverpool can pull off the seemingly impossible.

Benitez’s boys are in good goalscoring form, having hit 14 goals in their last four Premier League games.

The Anfield outfit can also draw comfort from the fact that they scored four times at Old Trafford recently, put five past Aston Villa and bounced back from their defeat to Chelsea with another 4-0 win over Blackburn at the weekend.

Yet Chelsea’s defence have also, inadvertently, handed the Reds reason for optimism ahead of the game.

Hiddink’s men were 4-0 up and cruising on Saturday at Stamford Bridge but three goals in nine minutes from Bolton Wanderers set up a nervy finish and will have given both Hiddink and Benitez food for thought.

The Liverpool boss undoubtedly has much to ponder going into the game and not least his skipper Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool’s talisman sat out the Blackburn game nursing a groin injury but is expected to play on Tuesday.

However, he was so brilliantly nullified by Michael Essien at Anfield that Benitez will need to think again about how best to employ his No. 8 if Liverpool are to have a chance of making the last four.


FORM GUIDE

Last Five Results

Chelsea

Apr 11: Chelsea 4-3 Bolton Wanderers
Apr 8: Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea
Apr 4: Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea
Mar 21: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Chelsea
Mar 15: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City

Liverpool

Apr 11: Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn Rovers
Apr 8 Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea
Apr 4: Fulham 0-1 Liverpool
Mar 22: Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa
Mar 14: Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool


TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

John Terry is suspended but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again and should partner Alex in central defence.

Nicolas Anelka and Deco featured as substitutes at the weekend but, aside from replacing Terry, Hiddink may keep faith with the team that began the first leg.

Possible starting XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, Cole, Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba.

Liverpool

Javier Mascherano returns from suspension and should replace Lucas Leiva whilst Steven Gerrard should also start after being rested from the win against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

Daniel Agger is also vying for a place in the starting XI after starting and scoring in the weekend win against Rovers.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Alonso, Riera, Gerrard, Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea – Ricardo Carvalho

With John Terry missing through suspension and Liverpool needing to score three goals Chelsea will need to be strong at the back on Wednesday night.

After missing large chunks of the season through injury Carvalho is expected to return to the side and his presence could prove crucial.

The Portuguese has long been the linchpin of the Chelsea backline and with Torres and Gerrard in top form, he will need to be at his very best at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool – Fernando Torres

With three goals the order of the day Fernando Torres has to be Liverpool’s main danger man at Stamford Bridge.

‘El Nino’ is on fire at the moment and it would be little surprise to find the Spaniard on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard bagged the opener in the first leg and followed that with a brace at the weekend, the first of which was a truly stunning strike.

Against a Chelsea defence missing its skipper Torres will look to profit and score the goals that will help Liverpool attempt what would be a stunning comeback.

How Liverpool Can Still Beat Chelsea To Reach Champions League Semi-Finals

Five things Liverpool can do to overcome the 3-1 deficit in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

1 Employ their midfield generals

At Anfield Chelsea dominated midfield with both work rate and exceptional passing. Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack showcased the modern midfielder’s art in tidying up in front of defence and surging forward to launch attacks at will. Lucas was out of his depth in that environment but Javier Mascherano, who is back for the return leg, is unlikely to be as easily bullied and if he and Xabi Alonso can shut down Ballack and Lampard and use what possession Liverpool have effectively they will be in a better position to dictate play.

2 Free Stevie G

Rafa Benitez needs to be bold. After Fernando Torres, the most reliable source of the three or more goals Liverpool need is Steven Gerrard.

If fit, the Liverpool captain must be pushed forward to support Torres more closely in a 4-4-2 formation, with Gerrard playing the support striker – leaving Mascherno and Alonso to take care of business in the middle – and his goal threat will be increased. Michael Essien, should he be asked to do another man marking job on Gerrard, would also be forced further back and inevitably wander into Chelsea defenders’ territory where responsibility to pick up Gerrard would become confused.

3 Get in the zone

While Liverpool need to score, conceding will make life even more difficult. Losing two goals to simple set pieces at Anfield questioned the wisdom of Benitez’s zonal marking system. Should Liverpool persist with it they need to communicate better when players run across their space to avoid a repeat of Branislav Ivanovic’s almost free headers.

Chelsea are a bigger side than Liverpool – despite the absence through suspension of John Terry – and so Sami Hyypia’s presence in place of Martin Skrtel, who had a shocker in the first leg, might improve things in that department, though with a loss of pace on the ground. Better still, abandon the ploy and revert to man-to-man marking, just this once.

4 Win their personal battles

At Anfield Skrtel was bullied in to submission by Didier Drogba, Essien had Gerrard in his pocket all night while Ashley Cole, Lampard and Ballack reminded us all of their quality and even Florent Malouda justified his starting place.

With Terry absent and his likely replacement, Richard Carvalho, just back from injury to partner the less assured Alex, Torres can make hay with his fleetness of movement and thought. If Liverpool do go 4-4-2 then Albert Riera needs to ask questions defensively of Ivanovic, while Dirk Kuyt is capable of harrying Cole to distraction. Alonso and Mascherano need to claim the midfield off Ballack and Lampard. Simple, eh?

5 Evoke the spirit of Istanbul

As chastening an experience as the first leg was, this Liverpool side is not one that is easily broken and they have already gone to the home of the European and Premier League Champions and won by three goals this season in the sacking of Old Trafford.

They may have only twice scored three goals or more at Stamford Bridge in competitive matches and failed to win any of their Champions League fixtures there but what’s three goals in 90 minutes to a club who pulled off the trick in six minutes in a Champions League final?

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool Have Nothing To Lose Against Chelsea

Rafa Benitez is tipping Liverpool to beat Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, as he feels they are under no pressure to do so.

With the Blues scoring three away goals in the first leg at Anfield, the Reds must score at least three goals at Stamford Bridge to ensure they overcome a 3-1 deficit and progress to the semi-final.

The Spaniard has suggested that such is the difficulty of their task that they might just pull it off.

"Of course we know that we are now in a very bad position but we have nothing to lose," Benitez is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"We can approach the game without pressure and anything can happen - that’s football. If we play without anxiety and nervousness, we can play better.

"Clearly, we will have a lot of fans behind us at Stamford Bridge and we will try and do our best for them and for us because we are professionals."

Benitez is confident that as long as his Liverpool side approach the Chelsea game in a positive mind-set and attack their opponents, scoring the goals needed to win will be far from impossible.

He said, "[At Anfield] Chelsea played well and had chances, while we made mistakes. But we still could have scored again, so why not at Stamford Bridge?

"Chelsea will think it’s nearly done but we have to approach it thinking we can still get through."

Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio Warns Chelsea: We Are The Comeback Kings

Liverpool stopper Fabio Aurelio is adamant that his side can overcome the 3-1 home loss to Chelsea that sees them travel to Stamford Bridge with a massive Champions League disadvantage.

The 29-year-old told UEFA.com that, although it would be a tough mission for Rafa Benitez's side, the Reds have the ability to make historic comebacks.

"Nobody is giving up on the Champions League, for this team have defied the odds before. We have scored four against United and Real Madrid and need to remember that," he said.

"The first leg? The game started quite well for us. We set the pace and it seemed to be our night. But that first goal kind of stunned us. Congratulations to Chelsea, though, as they played well.

"As for the set-piece goals, the zonal marking has worked for us before so I don't think we should be blaming it for the result. Goals also happen as a result of strong performances and Chelsea managed to put us in situations where they beat the system. If there were perfect schemes, matches would always end in draws."

The Premier League, too, remains very much on the agenda.

"We need to separate the tournaments," he explained. "We are doing quite well in the Premier League and cannot afford to lose momentum. Winning will put more pressure on Manchester United. Chelsea are not a matter until next week.

"Having the four English clubs in the quarter-finals attests that the Premier League is the best in the world. It reflects both the quality of the game but also the structure of the clubs. It can't be mere coincidence because it's been happening for a long time."

Liverpool Goalkeeper Pepe Reina Positive Ahead Of Chelsea Clash

Pepe Reina insists that, even in the wake of the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, his side have it in them to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Liverpool suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash at Anfield last week.

In light of this, Rafa's men must score at least three times to progress into the semis, and after 'Pool's recent 4-1 demolition of Manchester United, it is a feat that Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes to be entirely possible.

"Istanbul should be the inspiration for us," said the Spanish keeper, referring to the 2005 Champions League win over AC Milan.

"We know that the tie is really difficult, but still we have hope.

"We know already that if anyone can turn this around, it's Liverpool.

"There is always something to exploit. Everybody, every team, has weak points," the stopper added, as reported by Sky Sports.

Considering the uphill climb that his team faces, Reina has a distinct positive aura around him.

"We have to attack and score three goals. Even if we concede one, we'll have the chance to go to extra-time. We have to attack, that's clear. And we'll go for that.

"We have the game at Old Trafford as a big example. We won 4-1 and no-one expected us to do that. We know already it's going to be almost impossible, but if there's someone who can do it, it's going to be Liverpool."

Torres Wants Winning Tribute

Fernando Torres is determined to inspire Liverpool to victory over Chelsea as a tribute to the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough.

The Spanish striker is confident Liverpool can overcome the 3-1 first-leg deficit at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, feeling it would be a fitting tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster which marks its 20th anniversary on Wednesday.

Torres dedicated his goals against Blackburn on Saturday to the memory of the fans and he is determined to pay tribute to the 96 supporters and their families by helping Liverpool to an improbable comeback victory against Chelsea.

"Those goals on Saturday were for the 96 and their families because I know that Saturday was a special day for them with it being the home game closest to the anniversary," said Torres.

"The goals were more special because of the service on Wednesday, when we will see the families on an important day for them and for all Liverpool supporters.

"It makes tomorrow's game all the more important. We have to try to do it for the families and the 96 who died."

Torres remains hopeful that Liverpool can overcome all the odds to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League with a three-goal victory at Chelsea.

"I believe the team can score three goals at Chelsea although it is very difficult because they are a strong team," added Torres.

"We can do it, we have confidence, we know we can win the game. And we will not panic if we do concede one there, if we score three then it goes to extra-time.

"We won away to Manchester United, they scored but we still won 4-1. Chelsea could just defend, but I doubt that, they will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance ourselves.

"Chelsea will play for the win, if they score one or two it will be over. They will not just defend, they will try to attack."

Reds defender Jamie Carragher also insists confidence is high in the camp that they can upset Chelsea.

"Chelsea played very well at Anfield, we have to give them credit for that," said Carragher.

"But over the last couple of months we have been the form team in the country, and we know we can do it."

Rafael Benitez Puts His Faith In Steven Gerrard

Rafael Benitez is ready to turn to Steven Gerrard to help keep alive Liverpool’s Champions League dream this evening.

The Anfield skipper is poised to start for Benitez’s side as they attempt another unlikely European comeback against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool need to score at least three goals after they were stunned by the Londoners 3-1 in last Wednesday’s quarter-final first leg.

Gerrard remained on the bench for Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers after suffering an adductor injury that hampered his performance against Chelsea.

But Benitez has revealed the 28-year-old’s fitness is improving and is prepared to take a “calculated risk” by naming him in the starting line-up tonight. The Liverpool manager said: “I think that Gerrard wants to play.

“We have to train and talk with him. He’s had the problem before and was playing. Now we need people who are 100% fit, so it would be a calculated risk.

“On Saturday, if we needed him from the bench, then we knew we could use him. But coming on as a substitute, the warm-up is different so it’s maybe more difficult doing that.

“If he’s available, I’d like to play him from the beginning. Steven is getting better, he has been working with the physios and we will discuss the situation with the doctors.

“Steven will travel with the party to London and I will make a decision before the game.

“We are 3-1 down and we know that everything can change if we have Steven in the side and he plays well.

“We are professionals, and we have our pride and we want to do something. We will try to do our best to do something. We don’t play for another week so we have enough time to recuperate the players.”

That Benitez is not tempted to wrap Gerrard in cotton wool for Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge underlines the belief the tie is not yet over.

Fabio Aurelio is poised to return at left-back for the ineligible Emiliano Insua, with the manager having to decide whether to recall Martin Skrtel in place of Daniel Agger at centre-back.

Liverpool’s pressing need for goals means Benitez accepts his team must strike early to have any chance of reaching a 10th European Cup semi-final.

However, the Spaniard has taken heart from the way in which Bolton Wanderers scored three goals in their 4-3 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to expose frailties in

a back-line that will be without the suspended John Terry.

“When you concede three goals in a few minutes like Chelsea did against Bolton, then clearly you are a little bit nervous,” said Benitez. “It’s a good example that if we can score, then it can put Chelsea under a little bit of pressure.

“To score an early goal would help us play with more confidence and it would make Chelsea think they have to be careful and not make any mistakes.

“If we score an early goal, there might be extra motivation for the players. The first goal will be vital, and for us it can be a massive difference.

“We know we can do it. We have the experience of Old Trafford. We can score goals away against the top sides. We have to approach this game believing we can do well.

“The players have a lot of confidence.

“Training yesterday was good, we know it will be difficult but we have confidence and we will go there in the knowledge we are a top side and believe that we can do it.”

Daniel Agger's New Liverpool Deal Hinges On Rafael Benitez’s Faith In Him

The protracted contract saga involving Daniel Agger's extension rages on. The Dane insists that he will ink a new deal if he receives private assurances from Rafael Benitez that he is a part of the Spaniard's first-team plans.

Agger, despite a set of minor injuries and suspensions at the back this season, has featured only intermittently this campaign and feels his capacity to rule the rearguard - as well as being able to seal a win with a thunderous shot - justifies a place next to Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher at the back.

Benitez remains a public admirer of Agger, however, the player insists it is what his manager says and does "behind closed doors" that will decide whether he signs.

He told The Mirror, "It is nice to hear that the manager wants to keep me, but the most important thing is what he tells me when I look him in the eyes.

"It's not what he says in the papers, it is what he says behind closed doors that matters.

"I keep talks with the club confidential so I cannot tell you what has been said."

Gerrard To Return For Mission Impossible

Rafael Benitez expects to be able to set about Liverpool's monumental Champions League challenge at Chelsea tomorrow night with Steven Gerrard playing from the start.

Benitez will need to use his captain sparingly during the run-in, a factor which adds to the tension on Merseyside as Liverpool continue to outperform Manchester United, but his gamble on leaving him on the bench for Saturday's league encounter with Blackburn Rovers has paid off, with Gerrard (right) not needed.

"The risk was there but he has got more chances [of playing Chelsea] now," Benitez said of Gerrard, who has slightly strained an adductor muscle in his groin. "The physio will work with him, so hopefully he'll be there."

The seven-day break between the Stamford Bridge second leg and Arsenal's arrival at Anfield in the league provides the recuperation Gerrard would need from a major contribution to what will need to be one of their greatest comebacks to progress to another semi-final.

Gerrard seems to have returned from England duty with the strain, the latest in a string of groin problems to have affected him this season. Benitez had been prepared to use him if necessary on Saturday, with the prospect of overturning Chelsea's 3-1 first leg lead seemingly more remote than catching United, who regained the title ascendancy in unconvincing fashion with their 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Fernando Torres, whose two goals against Rovers took his tally to 11 in 19 league starts, said the manner of Liverpool's victory had lifted hopes that they can score the three they need in west London. "We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game," Torres said. "I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend."

Michael Essien, whose command of Gerrard was crucial in the first leg, will be fit for tomorrow, having been rested on Saturday. Hiddink is almost certain to start him against Liverpool, having seen the difference without him on Saturday.

Torres, anonymous and looking tired after scoring Liverpool's opener at Anfield last Wednesday, has admitted that his preparations for next season must be better than this. "I will try and get enough rest. It is just four or five games [left]," he said. "But we have to talk at Liverpool about the next pre-season and try and do the right things."

Benitez can only wait and hope his two main assets make it through and believes the Premier League may have had a different complexion had Torres been fitter throughout. "We have had some games this season that ended in draws that, had Fernando been playing, it could have made a massive difference," he said.

Guus Hiddink Sends Warning To Liverpool

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has stated that his team are ready for the visit of Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Dutchman feels the Blues are growing in spirit, as they aim to go for the domestic and European treble.

The Blues have a 3-1 advantage going into the crunch match on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liverpool have to score three goals without reply.

Hiddink, who is only in charge at Chelsea until the end of the season, believes that his side are in the right frame of mind at the business end of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hiddink said, "There is a fantastic spirit around this club at the moment - everyone believes in what we can achieve this season and it is exciting to be a part of that.

"But we must not lose our focus for one game or one minute, and that means each game is as important as the next one. We have the same aim, which is to try and win all of them.

"It is important that we take the momentum gained from winning at Anfield into this game and keep our level of performance up."

The former PSV Eindhoven manager has stated that even if the Blues win the Champions League, it would not be enough to persuade him to stay on into next season, as he wishes to concentrate on getting Russia to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before retiring after the tournament.

Jamie Carragher Hails Top-Class Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres confirmed his position in the top bracket of world strikers with one of the season’s finest goals.

The Spaniard’s sensational early strike against Blackburn had a touch of Marco van Basten at his best about it, such was the movement, control and execution of a stunning hooked volley that set Liverpool on the way to a comfortable 4-0 win.

He followed that up with an excellent header, outmuscling Rovers’ powerful defender-turned-attacker Christopher Samba.

It took Torres to 11 goals in 19 Barclays Premier League games this season, 14 in all for the frequently injured 25-year-old, and Chelsea will be well aware of the threat he poses to their Champions League hopes heading into Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg.

But in the end it did nothing to cut the lead - one point and a game in hand - that Manchester United hold over Liverpool at the top of the table.

And Liverpool have only six games left to halt the seemingly inevitable United march to the title.

But haunting Liverpool is the thought of what might have been had Torres been fit all season, and just how many goals and extra points would have been secured with the Spaniard in this current brilliant form.

Statistics underline that feeling. Torres has now scored 35 goals in 52 league games for the club, 47 in 78 matches across all competitions.

The partnership with Gerrard - who was not risked in the Blackburn game - shows 89 goals between them since Torres’ arrival at the start of last season.

Torres and Gerrard have both had their injury problems all season, and Liverpool’s title challenge has been hampered accordingly.

The problem for Liverpool is that Torres came back from winning the European Championship with Spain last summer tired and vulnerable. Only in the past few weeks has he been anything like fully fit.

He will play in FIFA’s Confederation Cup tournament with Spain in South Africa in June, so he will have no full summer break to assist with his recovery from hamstring trouble.

"Yes, I will have to play in the Confederation Cup during the summer, maybe it is not the best for the next pre-season, but it is my job and I have to play.

"Then I will have to work with the staff at Liverpool to make sure I get a good pre-season and do not make the same mistakes as at the end of last summer.

"My first one was a good goal, maybe one of the best I have ever scored.

"People may compare it with Van Basten, but I do not think so, he was one of the best players in football history and I have a bit to go before I am as good as him."

Torres added: "The way we played is good for our build-up and preparation for Tuesday at Chelsea in the Champions League.

"This win gives us confidence after the 3-1 defeat by them in midweek. But I believe the team can score three goals at Stamford Bridge.

"We won away to Manchester United, they scored but we still won 4-1.

"Chelsea could just defend, but I doubt that. They will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance ourselves."

Boss Rafael Benitez said of Torres: "Fernando’s first goal was very special, but I am the kind of manager who always likes to push his players so I know he can do better.

"I suppose it was similar to Van Basten’s famous goal, but if Fernando wants to be at the level of Van Basten then he knows he has to improve."

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce could do without Torres being any better after this humbling.

Allardyce said: "It is nothing to do with the possession Liverpool get and keep, the one area we could beat them is when balls are knocked down from a big man, but Liverpool were far better than us even at that.

"Add that to the way they pass and move the ball, which is why they dominated the game.

"There may well have been some fear from us. We were missing a lot of our top players, and if they had been on the pitch we would not have lost 4-0."

Fernando Torres Keen To Remain Injury-Free For Liverpool

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that he is desperate to remain injury free for the rest of the season in order to help the club win silverware.

The former Atletico Madrid man has been plagued by injury on the back of a successful European championship with Spain last summer, but has vowed to work with the Reds medical staff to ensure that he stays injury free.

The Spaniard has struck 11 goals in 19 games so far this season for the Reds, but he feels he could have contributed more to the cause had he not been injured.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "Maybe if I had played more then we would have scored more. I feel that 11 in 19 league games is a good record, and it is frustrating thinking what it could have been.

"But we must learn from this season and the injuries I have had, and try to stay 100 per cent fit from the beginning of the season and play all the games.

"I could have had more goals had I been fit more, but I will have to make sure I am fit all next season and then see how many I can get.

"Yes, I will have to play in the Confederations Cup during the summer, maybe it is not the best for the next pre-season, but it is my job and I have to play.

"Then I will have to work with the staff at Liverpool to make sure I get a good pre-season and do not make the same mistakes as at the end of last summer."

The 25-year-old showed how valuable to the team he is with two goals in the 4-0 demolition of Blackburn Rovers yesterday, and the striker feels this is a good way to prepare for Tuesday's crunch match against Chelsea in the Champions League.

"The way we played is good for our build-up and preparation for Tuesday at Chelsea in the Champions League," continued Torres.

"This win gives us confidence after the 3-1 defeat by them in midweek. But I believe the team can score three goals at Stamford Bridge.

"We won away to Manchester United, they scored but we still won 4-1.

"Chelsea could just defend, but I doubt that. They will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance ourselves."

The Reds are still in the hunt for the Premier League trophy, sitting in second place just a point behind Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

Liverpool's Jack Hobbs Set For Leicester City Move

Leicester City's on-loan central defender Jack Hobbs is set to make his deal at the Walkers Stadium a permanent one, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The youngster is currently on-loan from Premier League side Liverpool, and it is believed that the Foxes are hoping to tie up the deal in the summer transfer window.

Any deal involving the 20-year-old moving to the Walkers Stadium may end up relying on whether fellow Reds central defender Daniel Agger remains at the club or not.

The young Dane has been continually linked with moves to Italy's Serie A or Spain' Primera Division, after failing to establish a first team place at Anfield.

The 24-year-old has not been in contract talks until recently and, it is rumoured, that he will sign a contract extension with the club.

Agger has certainly stated his intentions to stay at Anfield, so a deal for Hobbs to go to Leicester may be on the cards.

Hobbs has been at Liverpool since 2005, after being spotted by Reds scouts playing for Lincoln City.

The Portsmouth-born defender has been on-loan to Scunthorpe United as well as Leicester, in order to gain some first team experience.

He has only played two first team games for the Reds since his arrival four years ago, but is still thought to be a star in the making.

Liverpool Legend Kenny Dalglish Reflects On Hillsborough Disaster

One of Liverpool's all-time greats has described his experiences on the day which represented far and away an all time low for the historic club's.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the darkest day in English football, when 96 innocent Liverpool supporters - women and children amongst them - were crushed to death at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool's manager on that fateful day in 1989 was club icon Kenny Dalglish, who recently spoke on BBC Five Live's Sportsweek program about an event that changed him and English football forever.

"I do think about it quite a lot," said Dalglish, revealing that his two children, who were literally just children at the time, were in the stadium grounds when disaster struck.

"We were one of the lucky families. Our children came home to us that night and obviously we are eternally grateful for that but that doesn't mean to say we don't have a great deal of sympathy for those who were not as fortunate as us.

"I always feel for anyone who was there and for anybody who is a Liverpool fan or has any feelings for Liverpool.

"But more important than that is the feelings of the families. I don't think that Liverpool Football Club have ever shirked their responsibilities and I don't think they ever will.

"One fantastic thing to know is that not just Liverpool fans, but football fans in general, have never vandalized in any shape or form the Eternal Flame that burns outside the Anfield Road end, which shows the great respect that football fans have everywhere."

The entire city of Liverpool will come to a standstill at 3.06pm for two minutes on Wednesday, exactly 20 years since the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

Liverpool FC Can Bridge The Gap

Fernando Torres is convinced Liverpool can pull off a remarkable Champions League comeback tomorrow.

The Spaniard netted twice as the Anfield outfit responded to their shock defeat to Chelsea in midweek by thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0 at home on Saturday.

It kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United, who still lead Rafael Benitez’s side by a single point.

Liverpool step out at Stamford Bridge tomorrow aiming to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit and reach the European Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.

And Torres said: “We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game and it was important to win for the fans.

“It was an important victory because it was the last game at home before the Hillsborough memorial service and I think they enjoyed it.

“I hope that we can score three goals against Chelsea. We know it is a very difficult task.

“They are a strong team, but we have confidence we can do it and we have to go there to win the game. We beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford so we know we can do it.

“We know it is difficult and it is difficult to score against them, but we will prepare the game and see what happens. I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend.”

Saturday’s brace of goals moved Torres to 11 goals in only 19 league appearances of a campaign that has been hampered by continual hamstring problems, a hangover of his efforts in helping his country win Euro 2008 last summer.

Torres is expected to endure another lengthy season with Spain taking part in the Fifa Confederations Cup in South Africa. The competition runs from June 14-28, with Vicente del Bosque’s side playing as many as five games in that period.

Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Albert Riera are also expected to figure, but it is Torres that will be the major concern to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

And the striker said: “It has been really frustrating to miss league games this season. Just 19 league games and 11 goals is a good record.

“We have to try and learn from this for next season and try and help me stay 100% fit for all the games.

“I have to play in the Confederations Cup in the summer because it is important for my country Spain after the European Championships.

“We are a good team and we have to try and win trophies and this is the next one. I know it might not be the best preparation for pre-season but that is our job.

“I will try and get enough rest. It is just four or five games. But we have to talk at Liverpool about the next pre-season, try and do the right things and not make the same mistakes that we did this season.”

Torres scored the opening two goals of Liverpool’s weekend win, with Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog completing a comfortable win late on.

Torres’ first goal was a goal of the season contender, a dipping cross-volley reminiscent of Marco van Basten’s magnificent strike for Holland in the final of Euro 88.

“It was a good day for me,” said the Spaniard. “The first one was a great goal and a great start to the game. To then get three more goals was good for the team.

“I work hard on my heading so I was pleased with the second one. I am always pleased to score at Anfield and I almost had a hat-trick but the main thing was to win and stay fit for Tuesday which is a big game.

“I don’t know if the first one is the best I have scored. Maybe one of the best. I don’t think it was like van Basten. He was one of the best players in the history of the game.”

Steven Gerrard was an unused substitute as Benitez elected not to risk his skipper’s adductor problem.

And the manager said: “It was almost perfect, but it could have been better as we could have scored more goals. It was the perfect response after the result in the Champions League in midweek, so it was a very positive afternoon.

“United are under pressure, Ferguson is always talking about us now and that’s a positive as he wasn’t talking about us for the last few seasons.”

Asked if having a fully-fit Torres for more of the season would have seen Liverpool clear at the top by this stage, Benitez said: “Yes, could be. We have had some games this season that ended in draws that, had Fernando been playing, it could have made a massive difference.

“If you have Torres and Gerrard fit, then you know the team is much better.”

Blackburn Star Hails Unsung Hero Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt has been hailed as Liverpool’s unsung hero after helping sweep aside Blackburn Rovers.

With injury concerns consigning Steven Gerrard to the bench, Kuyt partnered Fernando Torres in attack for Saturday’s visit of the Lancastrians.

And while the Dutchman was not among the goalscorers in a 4-0 romp for the Anfield outfit, his performance earned the plaudits of the opposition.

“Torres is such a big threat with his running in behind you,” said Blackburn midfielder David Dunn. “Obviously as a team we knew that and dropped deeper. He makes those runs and is such a handful.

“But Dirk Kuyt, in my opinion, is just as important. He is such an unselfish player and gives just as much to the side. He plays a number of positions, works his socks off for the team and never stops running.

“He's very, very good, but maybe doesn't always get as much credit as he deserves.”

Torres set Liverpool on their way with two goals before the interval, the first of which was a genuine goal of the season contender.

The Spaniard has started only 15 of 32 league games this season but has now netted 11 goals in that time.

And while Dunn is convinced the availability of Torres for longer periods would have enhanced Liverpool’s title chances, he believes every challenger is affected by injuries to key members.

“I'm sure they would have got a lot more points if he hadn't been injured for parts of the season, without a shadow of a doubt,” he added. “He's a top, top player.

“I know what people will say, but I'm not sure it would have made a difference in where the title ends up though. United have had their injury problems, likewise Chelsea, and over the season I think that balances out. The best team will win the league over the whole course of things.”

Dunn added: “We set our stall out, but weren't great. Take nothing away from Liverpool, they're a top side, and that's why they are where they are. But it was disappointing. “

Glen Johnson And Peter Crouch Up For Grabs

Portsmouth duo Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson are targets for Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, according to Sunday Express Sport.

City and the Reds are ready to make bids totalling £20 million for the pair, as Pompey prepare for a possible clearout in the summer, which may be forced upon them if they are relegated.

Johnson has been linked with moves to Anfield before, with the full-back nearly making the move from Fratton Park in the January transfer window, but the Reds failed with a reported £8 million bid for the 24-year-old.

Crouch's career has been rejuvenated since he was signed by former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, and he formed a good partnership with striker Jermain Defoe, before the latter moved back to Tottenham Hotspur.

Both players were rumoured to be leaving the club when owner Alexandre Gaydamak announced Pompey's horrific debts, meaning that both players could still be sold in the summer in order to raise money for the financially stricken south coast outfit.

Former Liverpool striker Crouch has been at Fratton Park for a year, and has since played 29 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.

Ex-Chelsea and West Ham United man Johnson has spent a little longer with Pompey, having made his loan move from the Blues permanent in 2007, and the full-back has played 52 Premier League games Portsmouth, scoring four times.

Match Report: LiverpooL 4 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's gut reaction was right, his side were good enough to beat relegation-haunted Blackburn without Steven Gerrard.

The club captain was left on the bench as Liverpool cruised to a victory that keeps their title hopes alive.

They wiped away the bitter memory of the midweek Champions League defeat by Chelsea, thanks to a couple of top-line goals from Fernando Torres, taking his total to the season to 14.

The first was a tremendous hooked volley after five minutes, the second a fine header from Xabi Alonso's free-kick.

And in the closing minutes Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog wrapped up the points with further goals.

Gerrard was only named on the substitutes' bench, such was the concern over his groin injury, and he can now be expected to lead the side at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-final second leg .

Liverpool made four changes from the side that lost to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Agger, Yossi Benayoun, Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua replacing Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio.

Blackburn were without El-Hadji Diouf, Jason Roberts and Morten Gamst Pedersen from the side that beat Spurs last time out with Benni McCarthy only on the bench from that side.

Andre Ooijer, Tugay, David Dunn and Keith Treacy came into the team.

With the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Wednesday, the match was preceded by a minutes' silence.

And Blackburn's former Liverpool player, Stephen Warnock, carried a wreath onto the pitch and laid it on the turf in front of the Kop prior to kick-off.

Blackburn started with five across the back and just Christopher Samba up front.

Liverpool have had trouble with this style of defence all season at Anfield, but Rovers' resistance was broken after just five minutes with a sensational Torres goal.

Jamie Carragher's long ball was taken down by Torres on his chest and with a turn and shot that had a touch of Marco van Basten about it, the Spaniard's stunning hooked volley flew past Paul Robinson into the far corner.

Agger was booked for body-checking Treacy a minute afterwards, but Liverpool continued to attack and it could have been two after 15 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt broke at pace from a Blackburn clearance and set up Mascherano for a shot that Robinson saved. However, Torres arrived first to the rebound and managed to lift his eight-yard effort over the bar.

Robinson then produced a great save to keep out a close-range Kuyt header from Insua's cross. Somehow Benayoun blazed over from the rebound.

Robinson saved again, this time from Mascherano before Keith Andrews was booked for a foul on Albert Riera after 33 minutes.

And from the resulting Alonso free-kick out on the left, Torres scored his second with a fierce header having run virtually unattended from the corner of the box to meet the set-play.

Blackburn sent on Aaron Doran at the break for Aaron Mokoena, but the pressure continued. Twice Riera saw long-ranger shots clear the far post as Liverpool went in search of more goals.

Liverpool tried to be over-elaborate, Kuyt firing over and Agger mis-hitting one wide from 20 yards before Blackburn sent on Carlos Villanueva for Dunn after 59 minutes.

Seven minutes later Tugay was withdrawn, with Vince Grella taking over.

But Liverpool had taken their foot off the pedal, not the best course of action against any top-flight side, but you sensed they had Chelsea on their minds.

Torres departed after 73 minutes to be replaced by Nabil El Zhar, again with Chelsea in mind.

Alonso was booked for a trip on Doran before Jose Reina - playing his 200th game for the club - was called into meaningful action.

He saved well from Warnock and Villanueva before diving to his left to claim a low Samba effort.

Warnock cleared off the line from Riera while Mascherano wasted a close-range opportunity.

But the third eventually arrived when Agger ran from 40 yards out to blast a swerving foot shot past Robinson from just outside the box.

Substitute Ngog scored the fourth when he headed home in the last minute.

Allardyce Backs Anfield Title Bid

Sam Allardyce insisted Liverpool can still win the title after seeing his side cut down at Anfield.

Liverpool were determined to keep the heat on Manchester United, regardless of the depression following the midweek Champions League defeat by Chelsea.

There was no Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain left on the bench to nurse his groin injury, but the plan worked as the home side won on cruise control.

Gerrard will now almost certainly be launched into Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge in a last-ditch attempt to keep Liverpool's European dreams alive.

And they certainly kept their Barclays Premier League hopes on course with a fine display, Fernando Torres scoring two outstanding goals in the first half to set Liverpool on the way to their 27th successive unbeaten home game.

And Allardyce, a frequent critic of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, agreed that they could win the title.

He said: "They are certainly capable of winning the title, even if Manchester United have a game in hand.

"If Liverpool keep playing like that and continue with that pace and confidence, it is possible they can win it.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns yet and they certainly believe they can do it."

Benitez hailed Liverpool's "perfect response" to that mauling from Chelsea.

Two Torres goals in the first half put Liverpool in charge before Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog added further goals near the end.

Benitez said: "We had plenty of very clear chances and in the end it was easy.

"After what happened in midweek against Chelsea, that was the perfect response.

"We had confidence and we were always in control. The first goal was very important, it opened the game up and we were able score more because we had more space.

"Torres' goals were special, we did not have Steven Gerrard but we know we can rely on our other top players. This was Fernando's day to show that."

Benitez, aware that Sir Alex Ferguson had continued their war of words 24 hours earlier by showing surprise that the Spaniard was thinking about him ahead of the Chelsea match, added: "Sir Alex is talking again about Liverpool, I do not mind that but he is maybe showing he is nervous.

"I was more concerned with the way we played, the chances we created and the goals that we scored.

"My only concern was that we did not score more. Goal difference will be very important if this title race goes to the wire.

"So I was pleased that we managed to get another couple near the end. I felt we were always in control and it just depended on whether we made any mistakes to let them back into the game."

Allardyce was critical of his own team.

He said: "I had watched how Didier Drogba had caused them so much trouble in midweek and decided to use Christopher Samba in that role.

"Obviously he is not that quality of player, but it was the same idea. The problem was that we did not support him at all and allowed Liverpool to pick up possession.

"We did not compete enough and they were deserved winners. Samba did okay but he had no help.

"Maybe a bit of fear crept into our lads. It is hard to come to Anfield with several top players out and get anything."

George Gillett In New Kop Bid

George Gillett is to make a last-ditch attempt to oust co-owner Tom Hicks from Liverpool.

The Anfield war betwen the two Americans is entering its final stages as the pair have three months to raise their share of a £350million debt to keep the club.

Both are desperately trying to get funds by selling shares in their other sporting franchises, while also keeping the door open to potential partnerships with Arab businessmen.

After looking the most financially vulnerable of the duo, Gillett is now increasingly confident the imminent £272m sale of his Montreal Canadiens hockey side will allow him to to pile the pressure on Hicks.

Gillett, who attended the Champions League clash with Chelsea at Anfield and is due in London for the second leg on Tuesday, believes Hicks has debts of £350-400m in the United States.

The Texan is trying to offload shares in the Texas Rangers baseball team and ice hockey's Dallas Stars. Despite that, Hicks has been pushing ahead with ambitious plans for Liverpool's future and has done nothing to suggest he's about to walk away.

Gillett made it clear earlier this season he'd leave Liverpool if Hicks went with him.

That stance appeared to soften after he became the prime target of criticism from some Kop fans and he took a back seat as Hicks played the pivotal role in securing manager Rafa Benitez's future.

There were fears Gillett was prepared to step aside and allow Hicks to pursue his own bid for power.

But the picture will change with the sale of the Montreal Canadiens. Now the duo are effectively embroiled in a high stakes race to see who can raise finance first and force the other out, ending what's been a tiresome and damaging power struggle.

Sources close to Gillett insist he's still ready to explore all options - either cutting his ties completely, taking a joint-ownership role with a new partner or remaining as a minority shareholder under a new board.

It's understood the only scenario Gillett won't accept is remaining at Anfield with Hicks. Waiting in the wings are Dubai and Kuwaiti investors, who think the Americans are more vulnerable by the week.

They are sure to make fresh bids at the end of the season.

Recent new deals for Benitez, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt, and the forthcoming securing of Fernando Torres on a five-year, £120,000-a-week contract, are designed to reassure the banks and potential investors of the long-term security of the club.

Martin O'Neill Doing Utmost To Prevent Gareth Barry Leaving Aston Villa

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is doing everything he can to persuade Gareth Barry to stay at Villa Park.

The England international was refused a transfer to Liverpool last summer, but it seems that he will be allowed to join the reds at the end of this season should the Villans fail to qualify for the Champions League.

With Arsenal, in fourth place, moving nine points clear of the Midlands based club on Saturday it is looking increasingly unlikely that Villa will be competing in Europe's elite competition for the 2009/10 campaign.

However, it is suggested that O'Neill is talking-up the 28-year-old in the hope that it will convince him to extend his current contract, which expires in 2010.

"Young Gareth has a heart the size of a lion," O'Neill is quoted as saying by The Daily Mail at a club dinner which Barry had also attended.

"He wants to play every single week and wouldn't take a break if you asked him.

"He doesn't get a break in the season and plays international matches. It is great for him, absolutely fantastic and he is very, very talented."

Rafa - Fergie Feeling Nervous

Rafa Benitez believes Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling 'nervous' as the Premier League title race hurtles towards a gripping climax.

Liverpool are breathing down Manchester United's necks at the top of the table having been galvanised by last month's 4-1 win at Old Trafford.

Benitez's side briefly dislodged United at the summit on Saturday after thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0 before the reigning champions laboured to a 2-1 win at Sunderland.

The rival managers have also been involved in a spot of verbal jousting, with Benitez and Ferguson questioning the motives for talking about each other.

But Liverpool chief Benitez says his United counterpart is trying to use his fabled mind games because he is feeling the pressure.

"Ferguson is always talking about us which shows they are really under pressure," said Benitez after Liverpool's win over Blackburn.

"I don't care, but I know he's nervous, so it's good. You can see he's under pressure."

Benitez added: "Mind games are against managers who are affected by them.

"I am focused just on my team before every single game. I don't see that what's said about my team will affect my team. I don't think so.

"Maybe once in every 10 times, but not every time. Anyway, I don't care. It doesn't matter.

"I prefer to talk about football, but sometimes you have to hit back."

Agger Still Hopes To Stay

Daniel Agger is hoping to stay at Anfield, but is unsure if he will still be a Liverpool player next season.

The Danish defender's contract expires in 2010 and the Premier League title chasers have been discussing an extension.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed he has been holding talks with Agger and is optimistic about hanging on to the 24-year-old.

Agger, who has been linked with AC Milan and Juventus, did not go into detail about his contract talks, but confirmed he is keen to stay on Merseyside.

"I am at the stage of my career where I need to play - and want to play - but that situation has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.

"It is nice to hear the manager wants to keep me, but the most important thing is what he tells me when I look him in the eyes.

"It's not what he says in the papers, it is what he says behind closed doors. I keep talks with the club confidential, so I cannot tell you what has been said.

"I don't know when things will be decided. I don't have a clue. In my heart, I hope I will be here next season. But, really, I don't know.

"I know there have been some reports in Denmark that my agent has spoken to clubs in Italy, but they were wrong."

Juventus Chase Sebastian Leto

Liverpool flop Sebastian Leto could be set for a shock move to Juventus.

The 22-year-old midfielder has spent the season on loan at Olympiakos and looks unlikely to return to Anfield in the summer with boss Rafael Benitez ready to offload the Argentine.

Leto had been linked with a switch to Paris Saint Germain. But Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri looks set to win the race for Leto, who is determined to kick-start his career.

And Blerim Dzemaili will end his Bolton misery by joining Torino for around £500,000 even though they could be relegated from Serie A.

The Swiss midfielder, 23, has not started a game for Bolton since he was signed in January 2007 and has been at Torino on loan.

Minute's Silence Marks Hillsborough Anniversary

Commemorations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough stadium tragedy began Saturday with a minute's silence before Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Blackburn.

Before the kickoff at Anfield, Blackburn's former Liverpool player, Stephen Warnock, carried a wreath on to the pitch and laid it in front of the Kop.

The number 96 featured in red on the white floral tribute, marking the number of Liverpool fans who lost their lives after a crush in a fenced-in standing area of the Sheffield stadium. Liverpool was playing Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals on April 15, 1989.

Current Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lost his 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley at Hillsborough.

"The memory of Hillsborough is very central and very important to this club and the 96 will never be forgotten, as well as the people that got hurt," Gerrard said. "It is important these people get remembered individually and not just as a number of 96. This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so."

Relatives of the victims and fans' groups have argued that police caused the disaster by herding spectators who arrived late for the match into overcrowded pens in a fenced-off area behind one of the goals. Most victims were crushed to death.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday's anniversary inside Anfield. At 3:06 p.m., the time the game was abandoned, there will be a two-minute silence across Liverpool.

"We have stuck together since that day like we always do at this club and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough," said Gerrard, who was nine at the time of the disaster. "Time has gone by, but the scars will never ever be healed and the fans will never ever forget."

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said the response of Saturday's crowd to the commemoration had helped his side once the match was underway. Striker Fernando Torres scored twice to put the Reds 2-0 ahead inside 33 minutes.

"We've got our memorial on Wednesday and obviously it is the 20 year anniversary," Carragher said. "Whenever it is around that time we play at home.

"The crowd is probably a little bit more up for it and it certainly helps us. That's why we came together before the game. I'm sure it gave the crowd a lift and we got an early goal."