Cole goal gives Chelsea 1-0 win over Liverpool

A first-half goal from Joe Cole gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the opening leg of their all-English Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge this morning. Cole swept in from six metres from Didier Drogba's cross on 29 minutes after the Ivorian had proved too strong for Daniel Agger, beating the defender before firing low into Cole's path.

It was only Cole's second goal of his injury-plagued season and the first time Chelsea had scored against Liverpool in five Champions League meetings.

Liverpool, who left top scorer Peter Crouch on the bench until early in the second half, threatened sporadically. England midfielder Steven Gerrard went closest for Rafa Benitez's side, his dipping left-foot volley well saved by Petr Cech.

Manchester United or AC Milan meet the eventual winners in the final in Athens on May 24. United won the first leg 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday morning.

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Reuters