FanHouse

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez just learned what happens when you mock Didier Drogba.

While talking to reporters on Sunday, Benitez laid into the Chelsea striker, insinuating Drogba was a filthy diver who would rather court favor from referees than score actual goals. Judging from Drogba's recent performances, most soccer fans would be inclined to agree with Benitez.

Still, you don't say it. No matter how openly petulant Drogba may have been lately, you don't flat out challenge a player of his caliber in the press. He might just come to play -- and that's exactly what Drogba did, scoring twice on pinpoint rocket shots, including one in the 105th minute, to lead Chelsea to a 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the 2nd leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal in a downpour at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool had some hope in the second half, as the Blues took their foot off the gas with a 1-0 lead. Fernando Torres slid one past Petr Cech in the 68th minute to tie the game at 1-1 and eventually force extra time. However, Drogba was not only ferocious in attack, but in defense as well, clearing away balls in front of Cech to stymie the Reds' attack.

When extra time rolled around, Chelsea clearly looked more prepared to attack. Chelsea manager Avram Grant pulled Joe Cole for Nicolas Anelka at the end of regulation, strengthening Chelsea's attack. Five minutes into extra time, Sami Hyypia brought down Michael Ballack at the edge of the box, leading to a penalty. Ballack stepped aside, however, and let Frank Lampard convert the penalty, giving the Blues a 2-1 lead. Lampard, whose mother passed away last week, nearly broke down in tears during the goal celebration.

Chelsea's work was not finished, though. At that point, a goal by Liverpool would have put them through to the final, thanks to the away goals rule. For whatever reason, though, Benitez pulled Torres, Liverpool's leading scorer, in favor of Ryan Babel. Perhaps Torres was completely gassed at that point, but that substitution is sure to lead some people to ask, "What exactly were you saving him for!?"

Then in the 105th minute, Anelka pushed down the right side and found Drogba in the box for his second goal, and that was pretty much that. Babel pulled one back with 3 minutes to go, but it was too little too late for Liverpool.

Chelsea now advance to the Champions League final in Moscow, where they will face Manchester United, who defeated Barcelona 1-0 yesterday to advance. Chelsea and Man United are also tied on points atop the Premier League table. Last season, the Red Devils outlasted Chelsea to win the league, but the Blues beat them in the FA Cup final. One way or another, it always seems to come down to these two clubs, doesn't it?