Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are back in a League Cup final, the first one under Mourinho since 2007, after an extra time header from Ivanovic saw off a spirited Liverpool side. 

The first half saw two legitimate shouts for Chelsea penalty kicks. However, an early Lucas handball and later Martin Skrtel foul on Diego Costa in the 22nd minute, were not deemed worthy of spot kicks by referee Michael Oliver.

Liverpool had more clear-cut chances in the first half the home side, but couldn’t convert. These chances included one for Raheem Sterling, who was denied a clear goal scoring opportunity by a fantastic last stitch tackle from Kurt Zouma. Thibaut Courtois was also on hand later in the half to deny Liverpool a crucial away goal, as he made a stunning leg save to keep out an effort from Philippe Coutinho.

Chelsea also created their share of opportunites. Brazilian midfielder, Oscar, had a chance for the away side in the 38th minute, however his free-kick from a difficult angle on the right side of Liverpool's penalty area trickled jut wide of the far post.

The first half saw a lot of the aggressiveness from the Chelsea striker Diego Costa. A prime example of that was his stamp to Emre Can in the 12th minute, when the ex-Atletico Madrid man was attempting to grab the ball for a throw-in and seemingly stamped on the lower part of Can's right leg.

This incident proved to be a prelude to more that happened in the second half. Diego Costa again used his trailing leg to stamp on Skrtel’s foot in the 55th minute, and a bust-up ensued once the Liverpool defender replied by whipping his legs toward the Chelsea striker. 

Chelsea came close from scoring in the 59th minute after Eden Hazard dribbled brilliantly through a crowd of defenders along the edge of the box before rifling a shot just wide of the post.

The Blues had another near-miss two minutes later as Costa's deflected shot from outside the box appeared set to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. However, the Belgian stretched his leg to make an important kick-save. 

The scores remained the same meaning extra time would have to settle the tie. It didn't take long as Chelsea found the net first, taking the lead in the 94th minute via a set piece. Willian curled in a free-kick from the right to an unmarked Ivanovic, who headed in powerfully from the edge of the six-yard box to give the lead for the home side and to make it 2-1 on aggregate.

Henderson had a big chance to score the equaliser in the 110th minute as The Reds still needed to score, but now a goal would send the match to a penalty shootout. Sterling crossed from left, picking out the unmarked Henderson in the box. But with the goal at his mercy, the midfielder flicked his header wide of the post.

The Reds continued to push for a goal throughout extra time, but Chelsea managed to hold on for victory and book their ticket to Wembley to play the winner of Spurs-Sheffield United in the final.

Up next for Mourinho and Chelsea is playing host to Manchester City on Saturday in a match that could possibly decide, or at the very least, play a huge role, in the Premier League title race. Victory at the Bridge would send Chelsea eight points clear of second-placed City, with only 15 matches left in the season. Liverpool on the other hand have a chance to continue their fight for silverware with a fourth-round replay against Bolton set for Feburary in the FA Cup, but not before a match against West Ham at Anfield.

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About the author
Roberto Rojas
Writing about the beautiful game. Cohost of the @LowLimitFutbol Podcast.