LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Defending champions Liverpool won Champions League
Group G on Tuesday after holding English title holders Chelsea to a 0-0 away
draw.
Chelsea's captain
John Terry (L) and his Liverpool counterpart Steven Gerrard (R) watch
Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen overhead kick attempt on goal during their
Champions League Group G soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London
December 6, 2005. [Reuters] |
Both sides had already qualified for the knockout stage and all that was at
stake was first or second place in the group.
Liverpool finished with 12 points, Chelsea 11, Real Betis seven to qualify
for the UEFA Cup and Anderlecht breaking their duck on Tuesday with three.
At Stamford Bridge, both managers had sought to play down the importance of
the tie, Chelsea's Jose Mourinho saying it was of little consequence and Rafael
Benitez insisting he wanted his team to finish unscathed so they could contest
the Champion Clubs' Cup in Japan later this month.
Both put out strong sides, however, who gave every impression at the start of
playing to win.
But with no goals to reward forays upfield the match often became mired in
midfield, Liverpool defending deeply their point advantage in the group.
"They defend very well, everybody behind the ball, they press they close
spaces," Mourinho said, adding he thought no side in Europe would come to
Stamford Bridge in the knockout stages and play so defensively.
INTO ACTION
Jose Manuel Reina was called into action in the seventh minute to turn a
sharp shot from Frank Lampard round the post.
Towards the end of the half Eidur Gudjohnsen touched the ball into Lampard's
path with the goal gaping but it ran too fast for the England midfielder.
