Chelsea, Liverpool play to 0-0 draw
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-28 09:40

Chelsea and Liverpool played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday, with scoring opportunities limited amid a tough midfield battle.

Chelsea had the better possession, but Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard wasted good opportunities to score and Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek never faced a shot on goal.

The Reds also had the stronger chances, with only a reflex save by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech stopping Milan Baros' header in the 38th minute.

Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech dives to make a save during the Champions League semi-final first leg soccer match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London April 27, 2005. [Reuters]

On Tuesday, AC Milan beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 in the first leg of their semifinal off goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson. The second legs are next week, with the final on May 25 in Istanbul, Turkey.

"I think we go to the final," Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said. "We have scored goals at Liverpool. I think 99.9 percent of Liverpool fans think they, at this moment, they have one foot in the final and they haven't. It's very difficult for them. At this moment I think we are in a very good position."

Chelsea's William Gallas (R) struggles for the ball against Liverpool's Luis Garcia during their Champions League semi-final first leg soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London April 27, 2005. [Reuters]

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was also confident.

"I thought we controlled the ball better," he said. "At the end I thought the draw was a good result. But we need only to win at Anfield. It's always good to have confidence. With our supporters cheering us all the time, I have a lot of confidence."

Liverpool will be without Xabi Alonso for the return match after he was given a yellow card in the 87th minute for a tackle on Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The Reds have already lost three times to Chelsea this season — twice 1-0 in the Premier League and a 3-2 League Cup defeat.

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