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Champions League News :: United and Chelsea seek home comforts

Posted on 2008-04-28 by Gooner

Recovery powers
The Premier League's top two clubs may be slight favourites to reach the final, but they will need to show impressive powers of recovery after going head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson's United and FC Barcelona remain the only unbeaten sides in the competition after a goalless statemate at the Camp Nou left the tie intriguingly poised ahead of Tuesday's return at Old Trafford.

"We're satisfied to leave with a clean sheet but a bit
disappointed at the transition from defence to attack," said Ferguson, who downplayed the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo's missed penalty: "I don't think it will be a key in the semi-finals."

Superior record
Barcelona possess a superior record at this stage, having won four of the eight semi-finals they have contested compared to United's tally of two from nine, and Frank Rijkaard is convinced his side can progress.

"We have a great chance," said the Dutchman. Deco, Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry all featured last Wednesday and Rijkaard believes their influence will grow as they regain full fitness, saying: "Some of the players hadn't played in a while but they
worked hard and will only get stronger."

Late leveller
Liverpool meanwhile must pick themselves up from the disappointment of conceding an added-time equaliser to Chelsea last Tuesday.

"I was really surprised and of course very disappointed with [John Arne Riise's] own goal," said Reds manager Rafael Benítez. "The reaction in the dressing room was one of great disappointment."

Historical record
The Spaniard can draw comfort from the history books, however. The Merseysiders have never lost a last-four tie to Chelsea, either domestically or in Europe, and have emerged victorious in this competition twice in the last three seasons, albeit after playing the second leg at Anfield.

As the five-time European champions target their third final appearance in four years, Chelsea are bidding to reach the showpiece for the first time, having fallen at the last hurdle on three occasions since 2003/04.

Sourced From : UEFA Press Kit

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