Sun Feb 27, 2005 05:58 PM GMT
CARDIFF (
Reuters) - Chelsea have claimed their first silverware under Jose Mourinho by coming from behind to beat Liverpool 3-2 after extra time in a rollercoaster English League Cup final.
Goals from Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and substitute Mateja Kezman clinched victory for Chelsea after Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard's own goal 11 minutes from normal time had given Chelsea a lifeline.
The league leaders were rocked by John Arne Riise's stunning volley after 43 seconds and despite overwhelming pressure, Chelsea were sliding to a third defeat of the week until Gerrard inexplicably nodded Paulo Ferreira's free kick past Jerzy Dudek.
Even with Mourinho sitting alone inside the stadium after being sent from the dugout for baiting Liverpool fans following the equaliser, Chelsea still looked the more likely winners in extra time.
Drogba, the club's 24 million pound record signing, stabbed home after 107 minutes and Kezman bundled in the third goal five minutes later.
Antonio Nunez headed past Petr Cech a minute later to give Liverpool hope but Chelsea held out despite some late scares.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
