Chelsea Defeat Liverpool: Ivanovic Done

Branislav Ivanovic’s extra-time header sent Chelsea into the League Cup final at Liverpool’s expense as the London club edged a breathless semi-final second leg 1-0 on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old now has only the FA Cup and Europa League to aim for, while Chelsea remain on course for three trophies after bouncing back from their humiliating 4-2 loss to third-tier Bradford City in the FA Cup.

“This is a new Liverpool team and a very difficult opponent, so I’m even happier because we beat a very good team over two legs,” Mourinho said.

The gruelling encounter at an electrified Stamford Bridge will have taken its toll on Mourinho’s squad, however, ahead of Saturday’s crucial home game against title rivals Manchester City in the Premier League, with Cesc Fabregas notably forced off by injury.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is also at risk of respective punishment after twice appearing to stamp on Liverpool players — Emre Can in the first half and Martin Skrtel, with whom he fought a running battle, in the second.

Liverpool’s English midfielder Steven Gerrard volleys the ball during their English League Cup s …
Asked about the threat of a ban, Mourinho replied: “Let Costa play his football.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports: “I thought they were outstanding. Over the course of two legs, we were the better team.

“We had good opportunities to score, but didn’t score. I feel nothing but pride, really, because the players gave everything.”

Last week’s first leg had also been a spiky affair and a number of contentious incidents made referee Michael Oliver the center of attention during a break-neck first half in west London.