Chelsea book their place in Champions League final

Chelsea have booked their place next to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League Final to be played in Moscow next month after they prevailed in extra time over rivals Liverpool.  It was not to be easy though as Liverpool fought valiantly throughout, never giving in until the final whistle sounded.  It was the Chelsea star Didier Drogba that opened the scoring in the first half smartly putting away a rebound with a solid shot low to the near post.

The second half needed a goal from Liverpool to force extra time and it came in the 64th minute as Fernando Torres slotted a ball homke from the top of the box.  Both sides pressed, but neither could get the winner as the game went to extra time. 

What a lively extra 30 minutes it was as well.   Early in the extra frame, Chelsea thought they taken the lead when Michael Essien sent a 20-yard effort into the net.  After some confusion it was rightly disallowed for offside as Drogba was screening the keeper.  However, in the 98th minute, Ballack was brought down by Hyypia inside the box and referee Roberto Rosetti pointed to the spot.   Lampard kept his composure to send Reina the wrong way and was in tears as he celebrated with his team-mates.  Only minutes later it looked to be curtains for Liverpool as Anelka slid a ball back into the area from the endline where Drogba was making a near post run.  A perfect finished put Chelsea 2 goals in front with only 15 minutes to play.

Credit to Liverpool though as they fought on.  A long range Ryan Babel strike caught Petr Cech napping as it drew Liverpool back to within a goal.  However, they were unable to claim the equalizer and Chelsea advances to meet Manchester United in the Champions League Final.