MX23RW : Monday, November 18 12:17:29| >> :120:6080:6080:

On This Day: Luis Garcia sends Liverpool to Champions League final

On This Day: Luis Garcia sends Liverpool to Champions League final
© Reuters
Luis Garcia scored against Chelsea to book the Reds their place in the memorable Champions League final against AC Milan.

A disputed Luis Garcia goal booked Liverpool's passage to the Champions League final as they beat Chelsea 1-0 on this day in 2005.

After a goalless first leg, the second meeting at Anfield was settled in controversial fashion with Garcia scoring just five minutes in.

Steven Gerrard flicked on John Arne Riise's pass into the path of Milan Baros, who knocked it over the out-rushing Petr Cech but went down under the challenge of his fellow Czech Republic international team-mate.

Soccer – UEFA Champions League – Semi-Final – Second Leg – Liverpool v Chelsea – Anfield
Garcia's goal came in front of the Kop at Anfield (Martin Rickett/PA)

The ball fell for Garcia to apply the finishing touch as William Gallas scrambled to block his shot.

Chelsea appealed that the ball never crossed the line and replays proved inconclusive, but the goal was given and Liverpool were bound for Istanbul, much to the disgust of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

"The best team lost," the Portuguese said after the match.

"The linesman thought they scored one goal and we didn't score, so we lost.

"I don't want to criticise them but they played the way they want; they fought and fought and fought. Of course we are disappointed, but I am very proud of my players."

Whether or not there was a slice of fortune in it for Liverpool, they made the most of their opportunity.

Three weeks later, in one of the most dramatic Champions League finals, Rafa Benitez's side recovered from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan in a penalty shoot-out, lifting the European Cup for the fifth time in the club's history.

ID:445837: cacheID:445837:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5082:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Mason Mount goes down injured against Fulham in the Premier League on May 1, 2021
Read Next:
Chelsea suffer Mason Mount injury scare ahead of Real Madrid clash
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!