How Liverpool rated

Petr Cech

Kept his team in the tie at Anfield last week and denied Torres early on last night, but could not do so indefinitely. Will be more concerned at letting in Babel’s long-range effort in extra time.

6

Michael Essien

Had to relocate to right back and acquitted himself well. Tested the alertness of Reina with one thunderous 30-yard shot and then thought he had settled the tie with a disallowed “goal” in extra time.

7

Ricardo Carvalho

Seemed to be at his best after a rare error against Manchester United on Saturday, but he was drawn to the ball and Benayoun in the 64th minute, leaving Torres one on one against Terry. A great defender, though.

7

John Terry

Knew that a single mistimed tackle could bring the yellow card that would keep him out of the final, but he kept his nerve. Does not always seem to inspire confidence but retains the spirit that helps to drive his team.

6

Ashley Cole

Has regressed to the extent that many view Wayne Bridge a better bet at left back for club and country, but he did well until Benayoun drifted inside to set up Torres. Hard to pin that on him, though.

6

Claude Makelele

Assumed his position in front of the back four from the kick-off and barely seemed to move from it, restricting what little space Liverpool had to work in, but found himself overrun at times in the second half.

6

Michael Ballack

Has finally begun to resemble the imperious player who bestrode midfield for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Germany. Lost his way for a period in the second half, but won the penalty that swung the game.

7

Frank Lampard

What was going through his mind when he put the ball on the penalty spot? It is hard to imagine that he was not thinking of his mother, who died last week. Taking the ball off Ballack and scoring required real courage.

7

Joe Cole

Had his moments in the first half, but did not look like the man for the big occasion. Spends too much time these days remonstrating with referees and an obvious choice to make way for Anelka in extra time.

5

Didier Drogba

Yes, Rafa, he goes down easily for a big man, but what a threat when he is up for the fight. That was the case in the opening half-hour as he ran Liverpool ragged and worked hard before claiming further reward in extra time.

8

Salomon Kalou

Started brightly, turning Arbeloa inside-out and setting up the opening goal with a shot that Reina could not hold, but that was the high point of his evening. Still seemed rather harsh to replace him with Malouda.

6

Substitutes:

Florent Malouda (for Kalou, 70min): Brought on to offer a little more natural width and tested Reina from distance in extra time 5

Nicolas Anelka (for J Cole, 91): Certainly gave Chelsea a greater cutting edge after being brought on in extra time 7

Andriy Shevchenko (for Lampard, 119)