REDS VS BLUES AGAIN

Liverpool and Chelsea will meet in the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons later this month, after both sides emerged victorious from their quarter-final, second legs on Tuesday.

Rafael Benitez's side hosted Arsenal at Anfield after a 1-1 first-leg draw six days earlier, but suffered an early setback as the Gunners deservedly drew first blood through midfielder Abou Diaby.

Sami Hyypia headed the Merseysiders level from a corner, before Fernando Torres took advantage of generous defending to lash home an unstoppable shot with 20 minutes remaining.

Arsenal looked to have sealed their passage when Emmanuel Adebayor tapped in following a surging run from substitute Theo Walcott, but one final twist remained.

Liverpool substitute Ryan Babel tumbled inside the area under the attentions of Kolo Toure and Cesc Fabregas, and the hosts were given a golden chance to snatch victory from the penalty spot.

Skipper Steven Gerrard duly converted the kick before Babel added a breakaway fourth goal in the dying stages, sealing a 5-3 aggregate victory for Liverpool.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was irked, however, by the pivotal award of Liverpool's late spot-kick, terming it a 'dodgy penalty' and bemoaning the fact that his side were denied a clearer penalty in last week's first leg, when Dirk Kuyt hauled back Alex Hleb at the Emirates Stadium. While chelsea won thanks Ballack n Lampard. Should be an interesting encounter