The rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea isn’t as historic as others in the Premier League, but it’s been stirred up in recent years. Liverpool’s longstanding dominance in English football is all but over, having not won the league title since 1990, whilst the arrival of Roman Abramovich and Chelsea’s subsequent success has only enhanced the tension between the two sides. Add in the fact that Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez weren’t civil to each other when they were in charge of the two clubs, and you’ve got a full scale war.
Here we look at 11 key games between the two sides that have enhanced the feud between the two sets of supporters.
Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool, 17th August 2003
This was the first match of the Roman Abramovich era and was the first game where Chelsea’s new signings could be assessed. Juan Sebastian Veron, Damien Duff and Claude Makelele all played in this match. Veron scored the opening goal, before Michael Owen equalised with a penalty. But it was Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who scored the winner, after coming on as a late substitute.
Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool, 1st January 2005
Joe Cole scored the only goal of this game and it was a victory that put Chelsea on their way to their first league title in 50 years. By defeating a team that were formerly one of English football’s heavyweights, Chelsea were able to build a successful title winning team.
Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool, 27th February 2005
The two sides met in the 2005 League Cup final with Chelsea triumphing on this occasion. It was both Jose Mourinho’s and Rafa Benitez’ first season at their respective clubs and both were eager to add to their trophy collection. John-Arne Riise broke the League Cup record for the fastest goal within the first minute, before a lapse from Steven Gerrard (not the only time) saw him head the ball into his own net. The game went to extra time and Mateja Kezman and Didier Drogba scored the goals that would see Chelsea win their first piece of silverware under Roman Abramovich.
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea, 3rd May 2005
This match defines the rivalry between the two sides as it featured the “ghost goal”. Both sides came into the second leg of this Champions League semi-final tie with the aggregate score at 0-0. Four minutes into this game, Steven Gerrard passed to Milan Baros who shot at goal. Petr Cech saved the effort, but the ball flew out to Luis Garcia who tapped it into the back of the net. The debate will rage on about whether the ball crossed the goal line, and it was the first episode of what would eventually become a tedious battle for goal line technology.
Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea, 22nd April 2006
The two sides met again in the FA Cup semi-final, with John-Arne Riise opening the scoring after 20 minutes. Luis Garcia doubled Liverpool’s lead before Didier Drogba clawed one back for the Blues. It wasn’t enough though and Liverpool went on to win the FA Cup that season.
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea, 1st May 2007
Another Champions League semi-final between the two sides and Chelsea headed into the away leg at Anfield with a one goal advantage. Daniel Agger scored the goal that drew the Reds level and the game eventually went to penalties. Arjen Robben and Geremi both missed for Chelsea, meaning that Dirk Kuyt’s successful attempt was enough to send Liverpool to another Champions League final.
Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool, 30th April 2008
It was third time lucky for Chelsea fans against Liverpool in the Champions League. The first leg at Anfield ended in a draw, but it was the Blues who triumphed at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres forced the game into extra time. Then Chelsea struck, with goals from Drogba and Frank Lampard to give Chelsea the advantage. Ryan Babel pulled one back for Liverpool, but it was too late by then.
Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool and Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool, April 2009
Another season, another Champions League knockout tie between the two sides. The first leg saw Fernando Torres give Liverpool an early advantage before a quick fire double from Branislav Ivanovic and a goal from Drogba fired Chelsea to a win.
The second leg featured 8 goals between the two sides. Aurelio and Xabi Alonso put Liverpool 2-0 up at half time, before goals from Drogba and Alex equalised for Chelsea. Lampard then put Chelsea ahead, but Liverpool fought back through Lucas and Dirk Kuyt. Another Lampard goal in the 89th minute sealed it for Chelsea though and they proceeded to the semi-finals.
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea, 7th November 2010
This was the last time that Fernando Torres would feature for Liverpool in the rivalry, as he went on to sign for Chelsea in the following transfer window. He was joined by Raul Meireles later on that summer. Liverpool fans had the last laugh in the 2010/11 season as they won both league games against the Blues.
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool 27th April 2014
Both sides were in the hunt for the title, with Liverpool on an 11-game winning streak. The Reds were in prime position to win their first title in 24 years under Brendan Rodgers, but in his second spell as Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho spoiled the party. The game will be most memorable for Steven Gerrard’s slip which allowed Demba Ba through on goal to put Chelsea 1-0 up. Willian then doubled the lead in the 94th minute to blow open the title race. Liverpool went on to capitulate against Crystal Palace, whilst Manchester City went on to win the title.
