After missing the trip to Portsmouth, Peter Crouch returns to Liverpool's starting line-up and looks for an early breakthrough
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard do battle in the middle of the pitch as the Reds dominate the early possession
On the right, Jermaine Pennant looks increasingly dangerous and causes Ashley Cole a number of problems
The pressure pays off in the 22nd minute when Gerrard's low free-kick is sweetly sidefooted home by Daniel Agger
With the scores level on aggregate, Chelsea almost regain the lead when Didier Drogba finds space but his shot is saved
John Obi Mikel finds himself in a good position but is denied by John Arne Riise as Chelsea end the half the stronger
The Blues' momentum carries through to the second half with Salomon Kalou among those to threaten after the interval
With almost an hour gone, Crouch outjumps Michael Essien to meet Pennant's cross but Petr Cech keeps out his header
Boudewijn Zenden tries to fashion something for the hosts but fails as a tight game eventually goes to extra time
Ten minutes in, Dirk Kuyt looks to have got the all-important goal but is given offside after Cech parries Xavi Alonso's shot
A goal proves elusive so penalties ensue: Zenden scores first for Liverpool while Arjen Robben sees his kick saved
The Reds continue to convert without error so when Geremi also fails to find the net, Chelsea look doomed
The responsibility of finishing things goes to Kuyt and he duly finds the bottom corner as Liverpool win the shoot-out 4-1
The players and fans begin their celebrations as they contemplate a trip to another Champions League final
It is a sad moment, however, for Jose Mourinho and his team who miss out at the final hurdle again
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