First Round Knockout - 4 May 2010 20:15 GMT - Anfield - Liverpool - England
Joy as Liverpool reach finals on Penalties
Pepe Reina celebrates after saving the penalty of Franck Ribery
Pepe Reina saved two spot-kicks as Liverpool FC knocked German rivals FC Bayern Munchen out of the UEFA Champions League 4-1 on penalties to reach a third final in six seasons on a dramatic night at Anfield.
Mark van Bommel's first half equaliser after Albert Riera had scored for the hosts had taken the semi-finals into extra time but with no further goals and the aggregate scores locked at 2-2, a shoot-out ensured in which Ignacio Camacho struck the decisive conversion. After Steven Gerrard had tucked away Liverpool's first attempt, Reina guessed right to save Philip Lahm effort. The next penalties were scored by Javier Mascherano, Hamit Altintop and Alexis Sanchez before Franck Ribery was outmastered by Reina and Camacho stroked in the clincher.
Anfield had basked under a cloudless sky and brilliant sunshine at kick-off, but as darkness fell and the temperature dropped so it rose to boiling point inside the famous old stadium which, as expected, was full of song and passion throughout. Visibly lifted by the crowd, Liverpool started brightly and had most of the early possession without making inroads until the place erupted in celebration in the 24th minute.
Gerrard fooled everyone with a low corner which Bayern Munchen expected to be curled up towards Fernando Torres and the mass of bodies around him; instead the Liverpool captain squared it to Spanish international winger Riera, who smashed the ball past Diego Benaglio with power and precision. The aggregate lead was greeted by near pandemonium and Bayern Munchen struggled to get into the match until Mark van Bommel equalised for the visitors when he beat the offside trap from a brilliant Mario Gomez throughball and lobbed it over the advancing Reina.
The German Bundesliga leaders had a decent opportunity to take the lead five minutes before the interval, however, Gomez climbed well to nod van Bommel's corner towards the Kop End goal, yet Hamit Altintop could not apply the finishing touch with his header and the ball bounced to safety past Reina's right-hand post.
Although it seemed impossible at the time, the tension increased after the break as both teams went in search of goals. Torres thought he had done enough to score when he towered above Andreas Gorlitz and Braafheild to meet Dirk Kuyt's cross but his downward header was kept out by the feet of Benaglio. Soon afterwards, Kuyt went even closer with a header that came back off the crossbar. With so much at stake, errors were commonplace and what the game lacked in fluidity, it more than made up for with intensity.
Determined to take the lead, Bayern Munchen went within a whisker of scoring yet another away goal on the night when full-back Plhilip Lahm raided down the left in the 75th minute and cut the ball inside from the byline; Martin Skrtel - in for the suspended Jamie Carragher -, in an attempt to deny Klose, connected from three metres out and saw his clearance skim over the top. As play and the psychological pendulum swung this way and that, Gerrard brought another save from Benaglio, yet the clocked eventually ticked down to 90 without further score, prompting extra time.
Camacho found the net in the first additional period but an offside flag ruled his effort out after he had followed up Benaglio's parry from substitute Sanchez's stinging drive. Benaglio frustrated Camacho again after the stretching Gomez was centimetres away from turning in Bastian Schweinsteiger's enticing centre. Tired minds and weary legs failed to conjure a match-winner, however, and penalties beckoned at the Anfield Road End. Here, Camacho finally got his winning goal and, for the eighth time in their history, Liverpool are through to the European Champion Clubs' Cup final.
Alberto Aquilani - who missed the second leg due to suspension - is refusing to get carried away following Liverpool's penalty victory over Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Liverpool won 4-1 on penalties after the aggregate score was locked at 2-2 to set up a UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan. They continue to hold a three-point lead in the Premier League on Arsenal amd will also face Chelsea in the finals of the FA Cup.
However, Aquilani is taking nothing for granted and has warned his team-mates not to lose focus ahead of Saturday's crucial match at Anfield against Aston Villa. "Nothing has been won yet," said the midfielder. "We still have a lot of tough games coming up. We just have to be ready for Saturday and the games after that. Hopefully we can go into the final as champions."
Aquilani was delighted with Liverpool's display at Anfield as they were given few problems by Bayern Munich. He added: "You aim to play best at the right time. In the big games you want everyone at top form and thankfully everything came together really well."
Fernando Torres took his tally to 26 goals for the season as Liverpool eased to a win over Aston Villa and move a step closer towards winning their first ever Premier League title.
Torres left Curtis Davies trailing and angled in a shot to put the Reds ahead just after Ashley Young's free-kick hit the post at the other end. The Reds had chances to wrap up the game but Dirk Kuyt's header struck the crossbar and Albert Riera skied a shot. Villa rarely threatened but almost punished the home side only for Pepe Reina to save Agbonlahor's late free-kick.
The visitors had gone into the match with boss Martin O'Neill expecting to be replaced at the end of the season but he was given firm backing by the club's fans at Anfield. The away supporters regularly and passionately sung out his name as they showed their support for the Irishman in a game that struggled to get going.
There was a distinct end-of-season feel to proceedings early on and only a near post Albert Riera header, which went over, threatened to break the deadlock. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard saw a long range effort power just wide as he was invariably the man trying to cajole his side into a degree of urgency.
The Reds skipper again went close when he forced keeper Brad Friedel into a full-length save to tip away his curling shot before Liverpool upped the pace the other side of the interval. A sublime pass with the outside of the right foot by Gerrard released Torres on goal but he failed to get the bend needed on his shot as he opened up his body and aimed for the far corner.
Aston Villa then almost caught Liverpool out with a sucker-punch after barely having had an attack worthy of the name. Ashley Young stepped up to take a 25-yard free-kick only to see his effort hit the outside of the post.
The Reds heeded the warning and Torres scored for the twenty sixth game this season by bursting past Davies and shooting through Friedel's legs. Friedel was quickly forced into action again as he blocked a Kuyt volley and kept out the follow-up overhead kick from Aquilani.
The chances were now flowing for the home side and Kuyt guided a header on to the crossbar before finding Friedel with another header when left unmarked eight yards out. A battling Torres set up Riera for a clear strike at goal from six yards only for the fellow Spaniard to sky his effort as the Reds failed to put the game to bed.
At the other end, Reina blocked a powerful Agbonlahor free-kick as Aston Villa sensed an opportunity to steal a point against their dominant opponents. But Liverpool completed the win as they moved within a point of winning the Premier League.
Liverpool boss Jose Mouinho on the future of Stephen Appiah, Lucas and Andrea Dossena: "They have one more year left on their contracts so they are still our players." He added: "Clearly we have some names and we are working to try to improve the squad and Sergio Aguero is surely one of them who will be playing for us next season."
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on his future: "I've not been told anything regarding the (job) situation but at with my experience I don't need to be told what to do. I have my own conclusions and ideas. It's not good to talk before the season is finished. The support (from the fans) is very nice. They appreciate what they have seen this season and believe the team have a future. I think it's very, very nice."
Liverpool's Fernando Torres has said that nothing would please him more than beating rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium to lift the title.
With three games of the season remaining, Liverpool need only a win to claim the title and Torres has said he would love to claim the title in front of the Arsenal fans by winning on Wednesday.
"It would be great to win our first ever Premier League crown by defeating our title rivals, Arsenal at their home ground in front of their fans" said the Liverpool top scorer. "We have played brilliantly in all competitions and we surely deserve to win at least two titles of the three we are playing for. Premier League is always the main one and the whole team is very eager to win it for the first time very soon."
Striker Fernando Torres is being touted by the media as the likely winner of the English Players' Player of the Year award. "Its a great honour for me to be one of the favourites for this prestigious award. But if I do win it would be all because of my team mates and the support staff who have been behind me throughout the season" said the Spaniard.
Good Champions League result! I tell you what the real Liverpool could be looking for a new manager soon! (Fulham 3-1!) Anyway keep up the good stories and looking forward to seeing if the Reds can pull of this amazing triple.
I would like to know when this story was made sticky? Since there are only few stories around, I would like to choose the best running story & award it SOTM for November.
I would like to know when this story was made sticky? Since there are only few stories around, I would like to choose the best running story & award it SOTM for November.
I would like to know when this story was made sticky? Since there are only few stories around, I would like to choose the best running story & award it SOTM for November.
The mid week action sees Jose Mourinho's Liverpool travel down to London to face Arsenal at the Emirates, keeping in mind that a drawn will be enough to win their first ever Premier League title.
Kick-off: Wednesday, May 12 2010, 19:45 GMT. Emirates Stadium, London.
For Liverpool, a draw would all but guarantee them their first ever Premier League crown. They already sit three points ahead of Arsenal with three matches to play, so a point against the London rivals would all but bring a finish to this two horse title race with two matches to play.
Funnily enough, the Reds began the 2009 season as outsiders on the domestic scene. The stuttering form of Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez allowed the men from Merseyside to gallop clear at the tabletop at the turn of the year. But a streak of 22 matches without a defeat since November last year has seen Gunners pose a title challenge to Jose Mourinho's Liverpool, who themselves were on 19 match unbeaten run before losing to Manchester City in January this year. The Gunners who have won the last 7 league matches will hope to continue the trend when they hosts the Reds on Wednesday.
Liverpool come into the clash in high spirits and surrounded by talk of a 'Treble' after their Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich on penalties at Anfield, but their upcoming opponents should also be in high spirits as they reached the Europa League finals at the expense of fellow English side Everton.
Liverpool haven't fared especially well in their rivals' den over the past few years; in fact, the last time they returned with three points in league play was more than ten years ago. However, Liverpool have won only once this season against a Big Four opponent this term. The Gunners on the other hand, havent lost for 22 matches and are on a 7 match winning streak in the Premier League, are well aware that that a draw or a defeat against Liverpool would end their title chance once and for all. And William Gallas has assured the fans that they will be going all-out for the win.
The French centre-half, who starred against Toffees, said recently, "Any result other than a win would mean a definite end to our title hopes. Despite the point difference, we are going into the match with the goal of winning. We will see if we can do it but, one thing is for sure, we are in a good mood after beating Everton."
And as Liverpool would go ahead of Manchester United on 19 English championships should they win this season, there is no lack of motivation for Mourinho's boys.
FORM GUIDE Arsenal
May 09 Arsenal 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
May 06 Everton 3-5 Arsenal (Europa League)
May 02 Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Apr 29 Arsenal 2-2 Everton (Europa League)
Apr 26 Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
Liverpool
May 08 Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
May 04 Liverpool 1-1 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
May 01 Blackburn 0-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
Apr 28 Bayern Munich 1-1 Liverpool (Champions league)
Apr 24 Liverpool 4-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
TEAM NEWS Arsenal
Wenger's men are without former Manchester United centre-back Mikael Silvestre who is sidelined with a broken leg, while Samir Nasri is doubtful as he recovers from the broken ribs injury.
Liverpool
Ryan Babel is expected to return after missing the last four weeks with ligaments problem. Albert Riera will most probably make way, despite a bright showing in the last couple of matches.
PLAYER TO WATCH Arsenal
After his brilliant display during the Europa League win over Everton, all eyes will be on the Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas as he attempts to give the title race a new twist in favour of his side. The 22-year-old midfielder is rge rype of player who can create something out of nothing.
Liverpool
At the other end of park, Steven Gerrard will be aiming to guide his side to their first ever Premier League crown. the Liverpool skipper has scored 22 times this season and created 15 goals in the 44 games he has played for the Reds this season.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS Arsenal: Kinsky, Sagna, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Toulalan, Vela, van Persie, Eduardo.
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to bbc.com/sport's live commentary from the Emirates Stadium in London. My name is Mike and I shall be your commentator for this cracking title decider match between second placed Arsenal against the title favourites and the leaders Liverpool. Remember Liverpool need a win over here to win their first ever Premier League title in 19 seasons, while if Arsenal do win today then the title would go all the way down to the final day of the season. Starting line-ups to follow shortly, but for the meanwhile feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] or you can also text us on 81111.
Babel decision: The skillful Dutchman is expected to make his first start after almost one month instead of the Spaniard Albert Riera who has been really impressive in the past few weeks. I expect a flood of emails from Liverpool supporters on Mourinho's call. Meanwhile, Mihir Bose is predicting a 2-0 triumph to Arsenal. [email protected] or text us at 81111.
Jerry's vision: Jerry Smith, a Liverpool fan, has got in touch urging me to feature his prediction of a 0-1 Liverpool success, with Torres grabbing the only goal of the game. He has assured me that this will be the outcome after dreaming of it the other night.
3 mins - Arsenal corner After build-up play from Arsenal, Walcott's shot is deflected wide by Carragher. Arsenal take the corner but the Reds eventually clear.
9 mins - Arsenal corner Arsenal win another corner. Fabregas takes on the left and the ball drops to Gallas but he can not connect with his head. Unlucky.
11 mins - Arsenal corner Arsenal win their third corner, this time from the right. The ball is hit to the far post but it is just too high for Senderos and the Reds clear.
14 mins - Liverpool corner Torres's strength wins Liverpool a corner on the right. The ball eventually falls to Mascherano on the right of the box who is fouled and so the Reds have a free-kick 25 yards out. Gerrard hits a dipping effort, which dips just in front of Kinsky who concedes a corner. It is taken from the left and Agger almost gets on it but Arsenal clear.
17 mins - Good play Liverpool enjoy more possession and string several passes together but Mascherano gives the ball away and Arsenal hit them on the counter-attack but Reina is out well to gather the ball.
20 mins - Bendtner shot Bendtner gets a shot in from the right but he drags his low effort wide of the post when a cross might have been better.
22 mins - Senderos booked Liverpool string several one tocuh passes together to release Johnson on the right but he is brought down by Senderos 35 yards out and he is booked. Liverpool take the free-kick but Kinsky gathers and Arsenal clear.
23 mins - Arsenal corner Arsenal win a corner on the left after Bendtner cleverly hits the ball off Agger's legs. Arsenal take and Gallas does well to run in and get his head on it. It is a powerful effort but is going wide when it hits a defender and the Reds eventually clear.
25 mins - Arsenal press It is all Arsenal now and they are working the ball well from left to right and spraying balls in. They win another corner on the left but the Reds clear at the near-post. Liverpool need to weather this storm....
27 mins - More pressure Arsenal continue to pressure the Liverpool line. The Reds have struggled on the left and Mourinho has now changed Babel and Kuyt over as he is so worried, with Kuyt now on the left.
29 mins - Arsenal free-kick Kuyt gives away a free-kick on the left of the box but the Reds clear. The visiting fans are appreciating the Reds work-rate to keep Arsenal at bay.
30 mins - Penalty claim? Johnson finds Lucas in the box but right at the last minute Toulalan tracks back and stretches to get the ball away. Some Reds' fans call for a penalty but he looks to have won the ball fair and square.
33 mins - Liverpool corner Liverpool win a corner on the right and Gallas does really well to head out. The ball falls to Lucas but his shot is charged down.
34 mins - Great defending Toulalan releases Walcott through the middle and he is about to shoot when Agger does really well to dis-possess him. The Reds then give the ball back to Arsenal and Walcott again gets the ball and again Agger tackles, to good applause fromn the visiting crowd.
40 mins - GOAL!!!!!! Eduardo scores with Arsenal's first shot on target. He plays a one-two with Walcott, with the return ball taking a lucky deflection back to him and he strokes it past Reina. They deserve this lead on the run of play so far.
42 mins - Fabregas shot Fabregas hits a powerful effort from the edge of the box and Reina tips the ball over, although it looks to be going over anyhow. Arsenal take the corner on the left but Liverpool clear.
44 mins - Injury time One minute of added time.
45 mins - Gerrard shot Liverpool press and Gerrard gets a shoot in from 25 yards on the left but Kinsky easily gathers.
HALF-TIME Arsenal take a deserved lead in at half-time thanks to Eduardo's goal.
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) Anyway keep up the good stories and looking forward to seeing if the Reds can pull of this amazing triple. 
