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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.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


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