28.04.2005 - Reds hold Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

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Liverpool came away from Stamford Bridge with a goalless draw in the
first leg of their Champions League semi final against Chelsea last
night.

In a tight encounter with few clear cut chances, Frank Lampard wasted a glorious opportunity to put Chelsea ahead midway through the first half when he volloyed over from close range.

An excellent Petr Cech save kept a Milan Baros header out at the other end, while John Arne Riise had earlier forced a save out of the Chelsea 'keeper.

But with a place in the Champions League final at stake, neither side attacked in great numbers and the emphasis for both managers appeared to be to avoid conceding.

Jamie Carragher in particular stood out for Liverpool with another magnificent display, which was capped with a fine challenge on Arjen Robben as the Dutchman shaped to shoot from ten yards out.

Both managers were satisfied with the result, and the tie couldn't be more finely balanced ahead of next week's second lag at Anfield.