Liverpool win titantic battle

In a match that will rank as one of the best ever played in European competition, Liverpool came back from the dead after Arsenal appeared to have clinched the tie on away goals with only six minutes to play.

But Liverpool saw them turn the tie with Steven Gerrard smashing home an 85th minute penalty and substitute Ryan Babel wrapping up a memorable win with a stoppage time goal.

Arsenal, who were superb for the opening half hour playing football worthy of European champions, took the lead through Abou Diaby after 13.

Liverpool fought back with a header from Sami Hyypia on the half hour and a stunning shot on the turn from Fernando Torres in the 69th minute gave the Reds a 2-1 lead on the night, and 3-2 on aggregate.

A breakaway by substitute Theo Walcott which saw him skate past four Liverpool players six minutes from time set up Emmanuel Adebayor to make the score 2-2 8212; 3-3 on aggregate and Arsenal ahead on away goals.

Liverpool got a lifeline a minute later when Arsenal defender Kolo Toure tripped Babel to concede a penalty and Gerrard, who had not had the best of games, scored to put Liverpool 3-2 ahead.

Babel sealed the win with his stoppage time goal to finally ease the tension at Anfield which was almost unbearable throughout an absorbing, enthralling encounter.

Midfield control

ARSENAL made a blistering start, putting Liverpool under pressure from the kickoff with Alexandr Hleb and Cesc Fabregas taking control of the midfield.

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez appeared to have got his team selection wrong by playing skipper Gerrard wide out on the left.

The strike partnership of Fernando Torres and Peter Crouch also failed to click at first and it was not until Gerrard moved into a more familiar central position after 25 minutes that Liverpool began to come back into the game.

Blues scramble win

IN London, Chelsea reached their fourth semi-final in five seasons when goals from Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard gave them a nervy 2-0 win over Fenerbahce, 3-2 on aggregate. Avram Grant8217;s side had suffered a surprise 2-1 first-leg defeat in Istanbul. They attacked early to put things right when Ballack rose at the near post to head home a free kick from Lampard in the fourth minute.