John Arne Riise scored an own goal in as Chelsea held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in the first-leg of the Champions League semis. Dirk Kuyt scored shortly before the break, but substitute Riise converted the ball into his own net the dying moments to blow the narrow lead. Chelsea seemed the better of the two sides courtesy to series of short passes in midfield. However, the Reds had the first sight of goal when Kuyt was set up by Xabi Alonso but failed to control the ball and lost his chance. Joe Cole replied a few minutes later but Pepe Reina made a brilliant save to deny the England winger. Fernando Torres had the first real chance of the game when he shot from close range but his effort went straight at Petr Cech's hands.
Drogba failed to score In the 43rd minute, Lampard was dispossessed of the ball, which landed at the feet of Kuyt who made no mistake this time. Avram Grant's men kept on their pressure and created a great chance when Florent Malouda dribbled in the area but missed the target. A few minutes later, Lampard failed to put Salomon Kalou's clever pass into the back of the net. Steven Gerrard could have made it two up but Cech made a magnificent save to deflect his volley over the bar. And in injury time Kalou crossed the ball into the six-yard box to find Riise, who, under no pressure, headed into his own net. The return leg will be played on April 30th at Stamford Bridge.
