Latest: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1

Raheem Sterling’s fine strike cancelled out Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty as Chelsea were pegged back in their Capital One Cup semi-final at Anfield.

Hazard stroked home the 18th-minute spot-kick after he was fouled by Emre Can following some excellent approach play by the ever-impressive Cesc Fabregas.

But Liverpool have dominated possession and deservedly equalised when Sterling burst through and finished low in to the corner.

The Blues, with John Mikel Obi preferred to Oscar in a more defensively minded midfield, have had to withstand strong Liverpool pressure throughout.

But Jose Mourinho’s men, winners at Anfield in their previous two meetings, were happy to surrender possession and grew in confidence, restricting the Reds to half-chances until the leveller.

The hosts caused a couple of nervy moments but the only save the recalled Thibaut Courtois had to make was from a dipping Steven Gerrard strike.

Gary Cahill also had to make a fine clearance, but with the Reds looking increasingly threatening, Hazard netted from the spot.

Liverpool continued to have more of the ball, but Chelsea’s quality on the counter-attack could easily have led to a second away goal.

A three-on-one break should have produced a chance and Hazard and Fabregas were finding space.

The home side had a shout for a penalty of their own in injury time when they claimed handball against Diego Costa, but the ball hit his hand from close range.

Costa almost ran through on goal after the restart, but the home pressure finally told when Sterling got beyond Nemanja Matic and netted.

Gerard then hit the outside of the post and Courtois also had to make a fine save to deny Philippe Coutinho.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Mikel; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Cech, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Oscar, Remy, Drogba.

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