Stalemate at Stamford Bridge

There was nothing to separate Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-finals as tonight's match finished goalless.

Chelsea chances
Both sides fielded strong lineups, but it was the hosts who created the better chances in an even contest. Frank Lampard's goalbound shot was cleared off the United line by Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze early in the second half, while Chelsea substitute Jirí Jarošik came close to earning his side a first-leg advantage late on only to be denied at the last by a combination of Phil Neville and United goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Gerrard decisive
In Tuesday's semi-final first leg, Liverpool FC earned a 1-0 advantage against Watford FC, who are in the league below their opponents, thanks to Steven Gerrard's 56th-minute strike at Anfield. The second leg of that tie is played at Watford's Vicarage Road on 25 January, with Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford the following evening for their return encounter.