Rival keepers spread confidence

By Andrew Haslam

The first leg of the all-English UEFA Champions League semi-final between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC was a tight affair at Stamford Bridge, with both teams defending solidly and seemingly making a clean sheet their top priority.

Anfield awaits
The goalkeepers from each side, Petr Cech of Chelsea and Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek, were understandably satisfied to have kept their goals intact, but neither was under any illusions about the size of the task at hand. "These games are always difficult, in semi-finals you have to be very careful," Dudek told uefa.com. "Defensively we played very well, especially in the second half. We didn't create any chances but 0-0 is still a good result for us."

Defensive excellence
The Polish international did not have a serious save to make last Wednesday, and paid tribute to a defence that has conceded just six goals in eleven Champions League games this season, as opposed to Chelsea's 12. "We worked on our approach for several days before the match and I think we executed that plan superbly," Dudek said. "We covered on the flanks and all our defenders did very well. Sami Hyypiä and Jamie Carragher both had magnificent games, and Sami stopped [Didier] Drogba in the air, which was very important for us."

'Fantastic fans'
Liverpool received vociferous support in London, and Dudek believes the passion of the home fans on Merseyside could tip the tie in his team's favour. "We had great support [at Stamford Bridge] and the fans will be fantastic again at Anfield, as always," the 32-year-old said. "This season, when we have had to win, thanks to the supporters we have always done so. Liverpool have the best supporters in the world and we have to win for them."

Home help
Despite Liverpool's impressive home form, which has brought four victories in five Champions League games, including successes against Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Juventus FC in the knockout phase, Dudek's Chelsea counterpart Cech remains confident his side will prevail. "All we need is one goal and we can definitely manage that," said the Czech international.

Away defeats
Worryingly for Chelsea manager José Mourinho, his team have lost their last three Champions League matches away from Stamford Bridge, at FC Porto, FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München. More relevant to Cech, however, is the 1-0 Premiership victory at Anfield on 1 January, one of three wins Chelsea have recorded against their semi-final opponents this term.

Extra space
"We have already won there once this season, so we know what is required," said the 1.96m-tall goalkeeper. "We know what is waiting for us and we are ready. Maybe Liverpool are confident because they are at home, but for us it does not matter if we play home or away. It may even work in our favour as there may be more space for us to attack at Anfield."

Crucial stops
Cech was twice required to make crucial saves at Stamford Bridge, blocking John Arne Riise's shot and then producing a spectacular diving stop from a header by compatriot Milan Baroš. "The save from Baroš was a good one and very important as a goal would have given them a big advantage," he admitted.

Cech confidence
The 22-year-old still expects Chelsea to progress, saying: "Although it is only half-time, I think we are in the better situation. It is a better result for us because Liverpool played away and didn't score so if we get a goal at Anfield that gives us a huge advantage. We know we can do it."