García guides Liverpool into final

Luis García scored a sumptuous second-half goal as Liverpool FC ended Chelsea FC's hopes of a domestic double with a thrilling 2-1 victory in their FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.

Riise opener
Seemingly well on course to reclaim their Premiership crown, José Mourinho's men had targeted more silverware in the FA Cup and looked poised to do so in opening stages as they took the game to Liverpool. Didier Drogba twice missed good opportunities, most notably when he prodded wide of the mark when put through one-on-one with goalkeeper José Manuel Reina. The English champions were made to pay for their profligacy when Liverpool won a free-kick on the edge of the box midway through the first half. John Arne Riise stepped up, as the Chelsea wall stepped sideways, to break the deadlock.

Robben spur
It proved the start of a spell of Liverpool dominance, and Chelsea struggled to break down their opponents until the introduction of Arjen Robben after half-time. It almost provided immediate reward when his free-kick was headed in by John Terry but the effort was ruled out and it soon got worse for the London outfit when Liverpool added a second on 53 minutes following a poor defensive header by William Gallas. García seized on it and despatched a stunning half-volley past the motionless Carlo Cudicini.

Cole miss
Drogba headed in with 19 minutes remaining to set up an enthralling end to the game as Chelsea pressed for the winner. Joe Cole went closest when he blazed a late chance over, as Liverpool hung on to reach the final on 13 May. Their opponents will be the winners of tomorrow's last-four tie at Villa Park between West Ham United FC and UEFA Cup semi-finalists Middlesbrough FC.