Champions League: Chelsea v Liverpool player ratings

It was one of the all-time great Champions League games, but who was the Daily Mirror's Man of the Match?

CHELSEA
Petr Cech
Cech had an absolute nightmare. His confidence was left shattered after a howler on Liverpool's opener.
Rating: 4

Branislav Ivanovic
The hero of the first leg was villain of the return as his stupidity gifted Liverpool a penalty.
Rating: 5

Ricardo Carvalho
Didn't look fit as he struggled to contain Liverpool's forwards in the face of the onslaught.
Rating: 5

Alex
Set a nervous tone with a couple of early mistakes but redeemed himself with a brilliant free kick.
Rating: 6

Ashley Cole
Was by far and away the better of the two full backs and his determination was a great example. Booked.
Rating: 7

Michael Essien
Chelsea's midfield powerhouse was over-run in the first half but improved dramatically after the break.
Rating: 7

Frank Lampard
Chelsea's best player as he showed hunger, desire and his long range shooting caused Liverpool problems.
Rating: 8

Michael Ballack
Was left chasing shadows for much of the game as Liverpool won the midfield tactical battle.
Rating: 6

Florent Malouda
Not a man you want in the trenches. Went missing and barely got involved in the game.
Rating: 5

Salomon Kalou
Subbed in the first half because he was so bad. This raises the question as to his ability at this level.
Rating: 3

Didier Drogba
Caused Liverpool's defence problems and was instrumental in Chelsea's second-half recovery.
Rating: 7

Subs:
Nicolas Anelka, for Kalou, 36 mins
Came on in the first half and gave Chelsea a different attacking option.
Rating: 7.

Franco Di Santo for Drogba, 90mins

LIVERPOOL
Jose Reina
Should have done better on Chelsea's goal. Mistake wrecked an otherwise excellent display.
Rating: 6

Alvaro Arbeloa
The full back continually berated by Rafa Benitez who was unhappy with his marking at set pieces.
Rating: 6

Jamie Carragher
Inspirational captain's performance as he fought for every ball and drove his team on. Exposed late on.
Rating: 7

Martin Skrtel
Made up for his nightmare first leg with a good display. But was left exposed in the second half.
Rating: 6

Fabio Aurelio
Curled a stunning free kick for the opening goal to leave Cech completely embarrassed.
Rating: 7

Javier Mascherano
Made all of the difference. A sensational performance made you realise how much they missed him at Anfield.
Rating: 8

Lucas
Occupied the Steven Gerrard role and against all expectations played well, prompting and passing.
Rating: 7

Xabi Alonso
Excellent performance as he shielded his defence, got forward and kept his nerve to score a penalty.
Rating: 7

Yossi Benayoun
Ran his socks off and his movement was a constant thorn in Chelsea's side. Faded after half time.
Rating: 6

Dirk Kuyt
His workrate was phenomenal and his forward runs and supply line were crucial for Liverpool.
Rating: 7

Fernando Torres
Missed a great early chance and despite troubling Chelsea's defence could not find his goal touch.
Rating: 6.

Substitutes
Albert Riera for Mascherano 69mins, Ryan Babel 85 mins for Arbeloa, David Ngog for Torres 80mins.

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