Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (agg 7-5)

Chelsea survived a huge scare before drawing one of the most entertaining Champions League games of recent times to seal a 7-5 aggregate win over Liverpool and book a semi-final against Barcelona.
Guus Hiddink's team led 3-1 after the first leg at Anfield but Fabio Aurelio's free-kick after an awful misjudgement from Petr Cech and Xabi Alonso's penalty put Liverpool in control at the break.
Jose Reina parried Didier Drogba's deft touch into his own net and Alex's thunderbolt free-kick levelled the scores on the night with two goals in six dramatic second-half minutes.
The inspirational Frank Lampard put the Blues 3-2 ahead, slotting home Drogba's intelligent cross.
The tie looked finished but Liverpool were not done yet and Lucas Leiva's deflected strike was quickly followed by Dirk Kuyt's near-post header.
It was 4-3 to Liverpool with seven minutes of normal time remaining and Stamford Bridge was stunned, while the Reds required just one more goal to complete a sensational victory on away goals.
But Lampard converted Nicolas Anelka's pass to level at 4-4 in the final dramatic action of a truly memorable game of football.
Liverpool were without their skipper Steven Gerrard because of an injury but came close to pulling off a memorable victory without their inspirational leader.
Liverpool gave the hosts an early warning when a delightful touch from Yossi Benayoun after 13 minutes created a clear opening for Fernando Torres, who failed to hit the target with his left-foot strike.
It was a poor miss and Liverpool's slim hopes were almost completely extinguished a minute later but Lampard narrowly missed the target with a free-kick.
Then came the moment that embarrassed Cech and handed Liverpool a lifeline, as Aurelio smashed his free-kick into the bottom corner.
Chelsea had only bothered to put one man in the wall and Cech was so focused on dealing with a floated ball into the congested area that he neglected the possibility of a low shot at goal.
Even so, it was a terrible error as the Czech keeper was caught completely out of position and scrambled across goal in vain.
Buoyed by their goal, Liverpool suddenly found an incisiveness and rhythm to their play, while Chelsea, with suspended skipper John Terry watching from the stands, looked uncharacteristically brittle.
The Blues defensive unit struggled to cope with the passing and movement of an attacking line that had struggled so manifestly at Anfield eight days earlier.
And the Reds doubled their lead through Alonso's unstoppable penalty after the Spaniard had been fouled by Chelsea's first-leg hero Branislav Ivanovic.
Chelsea boss Hiddink withdrew Salomon Kalou and brought on Anelka after 35 minutes.
And his bold decision was vindicated when the Frenchman's low cross from the right shortly after the restart was deflected by Drogba past Liverpool keeper Reina, who could only divert the ball into his own net.
Drogba was inches away with a free-kick as Chelsea found the attacking menace that had almost completely eluded them in the first-half and it came as no huge surprise when they did draw level, Alex drilling home his long-range free-kick.
Liverpool now needed to score twice more but Michael Ballack should have put the result beyond doubt after Drogba broke down the right and picked out the unmarked German with a precise low cross. Ballack, however, shot tamely and Reina dived to his left to save.
Torres, an increasingly marginal figure, went close from distance but it was Chelsea who were in control now and Lampard put his team ahead with a close-range finish from Drogba's cross.
The tie seemed to be dead and buried before Lucas' deflected strike after 81 minutes was quickly followed by Kuyt's bullet header from substitute Albert Riera's cross.
Suddenly it was only the visiting supporters who could be heard but the final goal of a pulsating match fell to Lampard, whose strike went in off both posts.
There was hardly any time remaining but the fragile Cech still managed to fumble a cross that David N'Gog drilled towards goal, forcing a superb headed clearance from Michael Essien.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Kalou (Anelka 36), Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba (Di Santo 90). Subs Not Used: Hilario, Mikel, Deco, Belletti, Mancienne.
Booked: Ivanovic, Carvalho, Ashley Cole.
Goals: Drogba 52, Alex 57, Lampard 76, 89.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa (Babel 85), Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Lucas, Mascherano (Riera 69), Alonso, Kuyt, Torres (Ngog 80), Benayoun. Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Agger.
Booked: Benayoun, Arbeloa.
Goals: Aurelio 19, Alonso 28 pen, Lucas 81, Kuyt 82.
Agg (7-5)
Att: 38,286
Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).

Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea took command of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool as Guus Hiddink's side stunned Anfield with an exhilarating attacking exhibition.
Fernando Torres looked to have put Liverpool on course for another glorious European night when he fired Rafael Benitez's in-form European specialists ahead after only six minutes.
But Chelsea responded in style to run out emphatic winners of an enthralling encounter, in which Liverpool played a full part until they were eventually overpowered.
Branislav Ivanovic was Chelsea's unlikely hero, heading goals either side of the interval to put Chelsea ahead - twice taking advantage of Liverpool's familiar Achilles heel, wretched marking at corners.
Didier Drogba, who wasted two excellent opportunities to score before Ivanovic levelled six minutes before the interval, was on target after 67 minutes when he turned in Florent Malouda's left-wing cross from eight yards as Liverpool suddenly collapsed under the weight of Chelsea's pressure.
The only black mark on Chelsea's night was a second-half booking for captain John Terry for a challenge on Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina that rules him out of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool have specialised in comebacks against the odds in the past, but it is hard to see how Benitez - who will have been left exasperated by his side's defending - can navigate a route out of this one against a Chelsea side who have been rejuvenated by the veteran Hiddink.
In the previous Champions League meetings between the sides it has been almost impossible to separate them, but Chelsea have never adopted such a positive approach before and Hiddink reaped a rich reward.
Hiddink pleased with 'deserved' win
Anfield was left subdued apart from a defiant rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" at the final whistle - all Liverpool's hopes dashed by Chelsea after the optimism sparked by Torres' early goal.
Chelsea's fans, in contrast, celebrated wildly after a victory that was almost beyond their wildest expectations.
Liverpool's recent resurgence has been characterised by high-tempo openings that have put opponents under instant pressure - and they were at it again in the early stages at a vibrant Anfield.
Dirk Kuyt almost gave Liverpool the perfect start after two minutes when his powerful shot on the turn was deflected inches wide off Ivanovic, but the Kop did not have long to wait to celebrate.
This time Kuyt was the creator with a clever flick that released Alvaro Arbeloa on the right-flank, and when he delivered an inviting cross Torres was on hand to sweep a comprehensive finish low past Petr Cech.
Chelsea, with a chequered Champions League history at Anfield, wasted the opportunity to respond immediately when Salomon Kalou sent Drogba clear in the area, but Liverpool keeper Reina raced out to make a vital block.
Hiddink had pledged to send out his side in attacking frame of mind, and Chelsea were as good as their coach's word, with Malouda then firing inches wide with Reina beaten.
Torres was an electrifying presence once more, and he was too quick for Frank Lampard when he swooped to rob the England man after 25 minutes, only to send a curling effort just off target.
It was a remarkably open game, with both sides committed to attack, and Drogba was guilty of another miss when he should have restored equality.
The Ivory Coast striker got on the wrong side of Jamie Carragher as Michael Ballack played a ball into the area, but after stumbling and then regaining control Drogba blazed wildly over the top with only Reina to beat.
Chelsea got the equaliser, and the away goal, they deserved, six minutes before the interval when Liverpool's long-time weakness at defending set-pieces surfaced again.
Malouda's corner was a routine affair, but Ivanovic was able to escape from the attentions of three Liverpool defenders to turn a header beyond Reina.
Second leg will be very, very difficult - Benitez
Kuyt should have scored Liverpool's second immediately, but Cech came to Chelsea's rescue as Liverpool looked poised to regain their advantage.
The second half began as an explosive first ended, with Carragher making a desperate clearance off the line from Drogba and Torres shooting just over the top after finally breaking the shackles of Chelsea's defence.
Terry was then ruled out of next week's return leg for a clumsy challenge on Reina - but it was the last piece of bad news for Chelsea.
They swiftly delivered two deadly blows to take a stranglehold on the tie and leave Anfield, so used to success on these nights, collectively stunned.
Ivanovic could barely believe his luck when he was given time and space in the penalty area once more to head another corner, this time from Lampard, powerfully past Reina.
And five minutes later Chelsea were in dreamland when Drogba finally hit the target, sliding home Malouda's cross from close range past a badly-exposed Reina.
Chelsea continued to threaten on the break as Liverpool pressed to little or no effect - and the final whistle brought confirmation of success for Hiddink's tactical masterclass and bitter disappointment for Anfield.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio (Dossena 75), Kuyt, Lucas (Babel 79), Alonso, Riera (Benayoun 67), Gerrard, Torres. Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Agger, Ngog.
Booked: Aurelio.
Goals: Torres 6.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Kalou, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba (Anelka 79). Subs Not Used: Hilario, Carvalho, Belletti, Mancienne, Mikel, Deco.
Booked: Kalou, Terry.
Goals: Ivanovic 39, 62, Drogba 67.
Att: 42,543
Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

Liverpool 4-0 R Madrid (agg 5-0)

Fernando Torres delivered a scintillating solo performance to torment his old adversaries Real Madrid and send Liverpool into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Torres, for so long the symbol of Real's fierce rivals Atletico Madrid, returned from injury to spearhead a Liverpool display that once again re-inforced their credentials in Europe's elite competition.
Torres put Liverpool ahead after 16 minutes when he turned in Dirk Kuyt's cross from close range - although Real complained bitterly that defender Pepe had been fouled in the build up.
Real also felt they were harshly treated when Steven Gerrard scored Liverpool's second from the spot 12 minutes later after Gabriel Heinze had been penalised for handball.
The brutal truth for Real was that they were outclassed, with Liverpool underlining their vast superiority when Gerrard slammed home the third from Ryan Babel's cross two minutes after the interval.
Substitute Andrea Dossena completed a dream night for Liverpool by scoring his first goal for the club with two minutes remaining.
Only a show of outstanding one-man defiance from Real keeper Iker Casillas stopped Liverpool from running riot even more in front of a delirious Anfield gallery.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez demanded respect for his European record in the build-up to this tie, and it will be given after a performance that once again demonstrated that for all his inability to claim the Premier League so far in his Anfield reign, there are few finer operators in this form of football combat.
Real coach Juande Ramos was wearing the look of dejected resignation that characterised much of his brief reign at Spurs long before the final whistle, with the Spanish champions looking one-paced and ageing in crucial areas thanks to the vibrant nature of Liverpool's display.
The brilliance of Torres was ably supported by Gerrard on his 100th European appearance for Liverpool as the pair delivered compelling evidence that they can be the driving forces for another assault on Rome, where Liverpool won this trophy in 1977 and 1984.
Liverpool were able to recall Torres after the ankle injury he sustained in the first leg in the Bernabeu - and he was the focal point for a first-half display that put the tie firmly out of Real's reach.
Gerrard scored twice as Liverpool overwhelmed Real.If Real needed the impetus of an early goal to put Liverpool under pressure, they were not given a chance as they were subjected to a siege in the opening exchanges.
Torres was almost untouchable, signalling his intentions in the third minute with a turn which left Fabio Cannavaro in his wake, but Casillas denied his Spanish international team-mate.
And Casillas showed his class again from the resulting corner, leaping acrobatically to turn Javier Mascherano's 20-yard drive on to the bar.
Real were not being given any opportunity to fashion attacks or bring order to their play, and even though Liverpool's opening goal in the 16th minute was hotly-contested by Ramos' side, they could not complain at being behind.
Pepe insisted that Torres had hauled him down as they chased a long ball, but Liverpool's striker did not wait for the whistle, racing to the edge of the six-yard box to apply a simple finish to Kuyt's cross.
Liverpool were playing in the positive and fluent manner that has eluded them so often at Anfield this season, and Casillas was in action once more to save Martin Skrtel's header.
And Torres was at it again when he pulled the ball back from the touch-line for Gerrard, but Casillas, a shining light amid this fiasco of a performance from Real, was again equal to the occasion.
Liverpool doubled their advantage after 28 minutes, but once again Real were left cursing the officials when Heinze was penalised for handball.
The former Manchester United defender, who almost joined Liverpool, pointed to his shoulder, but it was all in vain as Gerrard powered home the penalty.
It effectively ended the tie, although Real belatedly twitched into life as Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was twice forced to save from Wesley Sneijder and Gonzalo Higuain.
The only cloud on what was virtually a perfect opening period for Liverpool was a yellow card for Mascherano for kicking the ball away.
Real made a change at the interval, replacing the subdued Arjen Robben with Marcelo - but any hopes of an unlikely revival were snuffed out when Gerrard added Liverpool's third two minutes after the break.
Babel is clearly not a favourite of Liverpool's supporters, but they had no complaints when he escaped down the left flank and crossed invitingly for Gerrard to side-foot a crisp finish high past the unfortunate Casillas.
Indeed, only the excellent Casillas stood between Real and a rout, saving superbly again from Gerrard as Liverpool displayed the freedom of a side that knew their ticket into the last eight of the Champions League was already stamped.
When Real did pose a threat, which was hardly ever, Liverpool's rearguard remained resolute on a night that offered little other than frustration for the legendary Raul and his colleagues.
Torres' night ended as it started, when he was denied by the diving Casillas, this time from a rising first-time effort.
He was substituted to a standing ovation, but if Real thought that was the end of their punishment they were mistaken as the unlikely figure of Dossena arrived unchallenged in the area to turn the fourth past Casillas.
Liverpool departed to rapturous applause at the final whistle - fully deserved after a performance that signalled a warning that they will once again be a serious force in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Alonso (Lucas 60), Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Spearing 74), Babel, Torres (Dossena 83).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Ngog, Kelly.
Booked: Gerrard, Mascherano, Dossena.
Goals: Torres 16, Gerrard 28 pen, 47, Dossena 88.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro (Van der Vaart 64), Pepe, Heinze, Robben (Marcelo 46), Lassana Diarra, Gago (Guti 77), Sneijder, Raul, Higuain.Subs Not Used: Dudek, Saviola, Metzelder, Miguel Torres.
Booked: Pepe, Heinze, Marcelo.
Att: 42,550
Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

Real Madrid 0-1 Liverpool

Liverpool put themselves in a strong position to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League by beating the Spaniards with a professional display.
Yossi Benayoun struck the Reds winner when he headed in a Fabio Aurelio free-kick from eight yards.
Real had been poor and Arjen Robben had their best chance when his shot was steered over by keeper Pepe Reina.
Liverpool had barely given Real a sight of their goal and comfortably closed out the first leg last-16 tie.
The Champions League has always brought out the best of Liverpool under manager Rafael Benitez, who tactical expertise has flourished in the competition, and this was no different.
Benitez has made an exact science out of defensive durability, frustrating the opposition and punishing teams on the counter-attack and the formula worked to perfection once again.
Real struggled to break through the discipline of Liverpool and, despite Raul's early swivel and shot being saved, the Reds were comfortable from the start.
They were holding the home side at arm's length and could then have taken the lead when they twice caught Real's defence napping with two long balls forward.
Fernando Torres was the first to race through on goal but his angled shot from the right was excellently palmed wide by keeper Iker Cassilas.
A similar ball almost let Benayoun in but Casillas was more alert than his defence and came to the edge of the area to block as the Reds midfielder tried to chip him.
Liverpool were given a scare when keeper Pepe Reina saved a Sergio Ramos header but Gonzalo Higuain put in the rebound.
The effort was rightly disallowed for offside and, other than that, Real were being limited to speculative long range shots.
However, Alonso had the most audacious of shots when his audacious strike from his own half was tipped over by Casillas.
Real were being nullified by Liverpool and Guti came on after the break to add some guile to their sloppy play.
It did little to help the Spanish club and there was the distinct sense that Liverpool could engineer an away goal as they looked the more likely to score.
The threat was not materialising into clearcut chances and the visitors were not helped when Torres went off with a niggling ankle injury.
Real finally showed a glimpse of the danger they pose when a swift counter-attack ended with a swerving Robben shot somehow being steered over from Reina.
But the Reds finally breached the Real defence when Benanyoun struck after former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze gave away a free-kick.

PSV 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool came from behind to beat PSV Eindhoven and qualify for the Champions League last 16 as winners of Group D.
PSV took the lead when Danko Lazovic poked in from close range after Javier Mascherano failed to clear a corner.
Ryan Babel equalised with a glancing header from Lucas Leiva's cross and Albert Riera put them ahead with a 25-yard drive that found the top corner.
PSV's Dirk Marcellis hit a post, before David Ngog latched on to Robbie Keane's
pass and slotted in to seal the win.
Liverpool's victory was reward for a much-improved performance after the interval.
It also gave manager Rafael Benitez his wish to claim top spot in the group, which means Liverpool will play the second leg of their last 16 match at Anfield.
Benitez had made clear before the match that it was important to achieve that, but he still sent out a team with seven changes from Saturday's win against Blackburn.
And unsurprisingly, there was little fluency about Liverpool's play early on, with only Riera looking bright and alert.
There was little to admire in PSV's work, either, as the Dutch side could do no more than match Liverpool's lethargic tempo.
Timmy Simons' drive was comfortably beaten away by Diego Cavalieri as the hosts finally got a shot in on goal.
With an absence of creativity and urgency it was hard to see where a goal might come from.
Yet PSV got themselves in front when Mascherano missed his header as he tried to clear a corner and the ball fell for Lazovic, who stroked the ball past Cavalieri.
Liverpool finally found some rhythm and David Ngog had a chance to equalise but headed straight at Andreas Isaksson.
There was no such profligacy from Babel in first-half injury time when his downward header bounced into the top corner to put Liverpool on level terms.
After the break, Liverpool pressed for another goal and they might have had one had Babel released Keane rather than opted to shoot.
But when the goal came, it arrived in emphatic style with the impressive Riera striking a magnificent shot from distance that flew into the top corner.
PSV responded and Marcellis struck the outside of the post from a tight angle.
But any hopes the Dutch side had of a comeback were dashed when Keane played an inch-perfect pass through to Ngog and he produced a composed low finish to score his first goal for Liverpool.
Liverpool might have won by an even greater margin but Lucas missed a good chance after Keane had again fashioned the opportunity.
PSV: Isaksson, Culina, Marcellis, Brechet, Salcido, Mendez (Manco 80), Simons, Dzsudzsak, Bakkal (Nijland 83), Lazovic, Amrabat (Koevermans 72).Subs Not Used: Cassio, Rodriguez, Pieters, Wuytens.
Booked: Simons, Mendez.
Goals: Lazovic 36.
Liverpool: Cavalieri, Arbeloa (Darby 69), Carragher (Kelly 81), Agger, Dossena, Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Babel, Ngog, Riera (Spearing 76), Keane.Subs Not Used: Reina, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun.
Booked: Riera, Arbeloa, Dossena.
Goals: Babel 45, Riera 69, Ngog 77.
Att: 35,000
Ref: Nikolai Ivanov (Russia).

Liverpool 1-0 Marseille

Steven Gerrard's first-half goal sent Liverpool into the Champions League knockout stage with an unconvincing win against Marseille at Anfield.
Gerrard headed in at the far post from Xabi Alonso's cross after 23 minutes.
It was the highlight of a poor Liverpool display, with Marseille dominating possession for long periods.
Taye Taiwo had a long-range shot turned on to the post by Pepe Reina before the break, and Liverpool's keeper also saved superbly from Hatem Ben Arfa.
Liverpool now enter their final game of this section, away to PSV Eindhoven, battling with Atletico Madrid to finish top of Group D.
Benitez's side have made patchy progress to the last 16, but they have followed a similar path in the past and still navigated their way through to the final stages of the tournament.
Gerrard was restored to Liverpool's line-up after missing England's win in Germany and a goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield with a groin injury.
Dirk Kuyt had an opportunity to give Liverpool the lead after 21 minutes when Fernando Torres provided a perfect cross, but his header was saved at the second attempt by keeper Steve Mandanda.
It was only a temporary reprieve for Marseille, with Gerrard putting Liverpool in front two minutes later. He stole in unmarked on the end of Alonso's ball to the far post to head powerfully beyond the helpless Mandanda.
Marseille were stringing some impressive passing moves together without delivering an end product, but they gave Liverpool a scare after 35 minutes when Reina touched Taiwo's long-range shot on to the post.
Ronaldo Zubar then headed the resulting corner wastefully wide when he was left unchallenged at the far post.
Marseille more than matched Liverpool in the second half, with the gifted Ben Arfa a real threat.
He fired a dangerous cross just beyond Benoit Cheyrou then forced Reina into a stunning finger-tip save from an angled free-kick.
Liverpool were desperately out of sorts and Mamadou Niang wasted an opportunity with 10 minutes left, heading off target when well placed.
But Liverpool's defence, superbly marshalled once more by Jamie Carragher, held out and can now concentrate on topping the group and avoiding some potentially hazardous opposition in the last 16.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio (Dossena 46), Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt (Leiva Lucas 85), Gerrard, Riera (Benayoun 63), Torres.Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Keane, Babel, Kelly.
Booked: Mascherano.
Goals: Gerrard 23.
Marseille: Mandanda, Bonnart (Samassa 89), Zubar, Hilton, Taiwo, Ziani, Cana, Cheyrou, Ben Arfa, Niang, Kone (Valbuena 78).Subs Not Used: Riou, Rodriguez, Zenden, Kabore, Grandin.
Booked: Niang.
Att: 40,024
Ref: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal).

Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Steven Gerrard rescued Liverpool with a 95th-minute penalty after Maxi Rodriguez's opener had looked set to secure victory for Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool were denied a penalty early on despite Luis Perea appearing to foul Daniel Agger, and instead they went behind when Rodriguez volleyed in.
The Reds felt they were again denied a spot-kick when Perea seemed to handle.
They got their chance at the third time of asking and Gerrard smashed home after he was fouled by Mariano Pernia.
A victory for Liverpool or Atletico would have secured them a place in the knockout stages as PSV Eindhoven were beaten by Marseille in Group G's other match.
And it looked as though the Spaniards were going to seal their progress, until Gerrard's late, late intervention.
Rafael Benitez's men will feel that they should have been awarded a penalty long before that and they had strong cases for two spot-kicks.
As it turned out, the one they were given looked very soft indeed, not that Liverpool will feel an injustice was done given the earlier decisions.
And it rescued a point for Liverpool who are now second in the group, behind Atletico on goal difference.
Atletico enjoyed some good fortune early on when Perea seemed to pull down Agger as he was about to shoot but was not penalised.
But there was nothing fortunate about the move from which they scored their goal.
Johnny Heitinga's driven pass was taken down superbly by Guerrero Antonio Lopez, who then picked out Maxi for an emphatic finish after his first touch took him past Jamie Carragher.
Previously, Liverpool had been warned when Sabrosa Simao volleyed over from 10 yards from Pernia's low cross.
They had responded to that by carving out two quick chances of their own.
Perea took the ball off Steven Gerrard's toes to prevent him getting a shot in and a minute later Robbie Keane latched on to a through ball and tried to round the keeper but was pushed wide.
But then they were stunned by Atletico's strike.
Liverpool stepped up the tempo as they searched for an equaliser, and shortly after the break Keane screamed, unsuccessfully, for a penalty as the ball appeared to hit Perea's hand.
Yet from open play, Liverpool lacked a sense of urgency and penetration, while Atletico maintained their discipline and their counter-attacking threat.
From a set-piece, Agger was unlucky to head just over and later the Dane again nodded off target.
As Liverpool pressed even more, Gerrard went close with a drive, while Dirk Kuyt - not at his best throughout the evening - shot tamely.
With time running out, Carragher saw his shot palmed over by keeper Leo Franco and it looked like being a frustrating night for the hosts.
But then Gerrard went down under a challenge from Pernia and the Liverpol skipper stepped up himself to dispatch the resultant penalty and salvage a draw.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano (Leiva Lucas 77), Alonso, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Babel 61), Keane (Ngog 71).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Benayoun, Degen.
Goals: Gerrard 90 pen.
Atletico Madrid: Franco, Antonio Lopez, Perea, Heitinga, Pernia, Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao, Maniche, Maxi, Forlan (Aguero 71), Simao (Luis Garcia 90).Subs Not Used: Coupet, Sinama Pongolle, Banega, Pablo, Camacho.
Booked: Maniche, Perea, Heitinga, Pernia, Aguero.
Goals: Maxi 37.
Att: 42,010
Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).

Atletico Madrid 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool had to settle for a draw after Simao Sabrosa's late equaliser rescued a point for Atletico Madrid.
Robbie Keane's cool finish from a suspiciously offside position gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute.
Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun and Atletico's Maniche then both had goals contentiously ruled out for offside after the break.
But Simao, who had a shot turned on to the post by goalkeeper Pepe Reina, drove home after 83 minutes.
Liverpool dominated the first half but did not make the most of their supremacy, and in the end were grateful for a point after being forced on to the back foot for most of the second period.
And Liverpool left Spain with an injury worry over goalscorer Keane after he limped off early in the second half with a groin injury.
It is a headache for boss Rafael Benitez ahead of Sunday's game at Chelsea, with Fernando Torres already struggling with a hamstring problem.
Benitez surprisingly left in-form Dirk Kuyt on the bench and played Keane as a lone striker - but it was a decision that reaped rewards with a priceless early strike.
Steven Gerrard was the creator with a trademark through ball, which the Republic of Ireland striker took in his stride before calmly sliding a finish beyond Atletico keeper Leo Franco.
Replays suggested Keane was offside - and it was not to be the only contentious decision of the game.
Liverpool exercised almost total domination in the early exchanges, with Xabi Alonso shooting over and Keane wasting a glorious chance after 22 minutes when he tried to over-elaborate in front of goal from Gerrard's cross and failed to make any contact.
Diego Forlan finally fashioned a chance for Atletico five minutes before the interval with a shot on the turn that flashed just wide with Reina beaten.
Liverpool suffered a blow seven minutes after the break when Keane limped off to be replaced by Kuyt. It also co-incided with Atletico's best spell following the half-time introduction of the exciting Sergio Aguero.
Atletico were desperately unlucky not to equalise after 55 minutes when Maniche's fine finish was ruled out by a linesman's flag, even though he was clearly onside, although Benayoun appeared to suffer a similar injustice moments earlier.
Liverpool were then thankful to keeper Reina when his fingertips diverted Simao's shot on to an upright.
The visitors were starting to look jaded, and Benitez replaced captain Gerrard with the pace of Ryan Babel on the hour.
But just as it looked like they had weathered the storm, Atletico drew level with seven minutes left.
Jamie Carragher misjudged a long ball to let Forlan in, and he found Simao, who drove a top-class finish across Reina into the bottom corner.
Atletico were scenting victory, and Reina had to be alert to turn a drive from Miguel over the top.
But Babel wasted a glorious opportunity to snatch the win for Liverpool after 88 minutes, when he somehow headed Kuyt's cross wide with the goal at his mercy.
It was the final chance of the game - with the draw leaving both clubs still in a perfect position to qualify for the knockout phase.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez"You have to finish when you have the chances. We were trying to find the perfect pass. We were in their final third and all we were doing was passing it.
"We were playing well and we had control until we got to the final third. We tried to be too precise, tried to give the perfect pass and didn't finish when we should have done.
"We have one more point now and it's not a bad position to be in, but if you concede after 83 minutes then you have to be disappointed.
"I'm happy with the game we played in the first half and to start the second. I'm disappointed with the chances we had to finish the game and didn't take though."
Atletico Madrid: Franco, Seitaridis, Perea, Dominguez, Antonio Lopez, Camacho (Raul Garcia 72), Maniche, Luis Garcia (Aguero 46), Simao, Forlan, Sinama Pongolle (Miguel 75). Subs Not Used: Bernabe, Pernia, Heitinga, Paulo Assuncao.
Booked: Maniche.
Goals: Simao 83.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Mascherano, Alonso (Leiva Lucas 75), Benayoun, Gerrard (Babel 61), Riera, Keane (Kuyt 53).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Aurelio, Pennant, Darby.
Booked: Riera, Arbeloa.
Goals: Keane 14.
Att: 44,500
Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

Liverpool 3-1 PSV

Robbie Keane's first goal since his £20.3m move from Tottenham helped Liverpool ease to victory over PSV Eindhoven in Champions League Group D.
Dirk Kuyt put the Reds ahead after four minutes, following up after Andreas Isaksson saved Fernando Torres' volley.
Keane made it 2-0 before half-time when he hooked home Torres' bouncing cross.
Steven Gerrard wrapped up the win with a ferocious free-kick - his 100th goal for Liverpool - before Danny Koevermans bundled home a consolation for PSV.
There are sure to be sterner tests ahead for Liverpool in Europe this season than the visit of the Dutch champions but Reds boss Rafa Benitez has plenty of reasons to be satisfied after his side's convincing display.
PSV clearly came to Anfield with the intention of frustrating their hosts but their hopes of implementing that plan only lasted untol Kuyt broke the deadlock.

CLBVisiting keeper Isaksson did well to deny Torres, who had ghosted in unmarked to meet Steven Gerrard's cross, but he should have done better with Kuyt's shot which span out of his grasp and into the top corner.
From then on it was hard to see how Huub Stevens' side were going to emulate Stoke City, the only side to deny the Reds victory at Anfield this season.
PSV persevered with five men across the back - which at least kept Liverpool quiet immediately after they had scored - but with Nordin Amrabat on his own up front they were restricted to long-range efforts in their search for an equaliser.

Liverpool, meanwhile, continued to look menacing and, even before his goal, Keane might have had a penalty when he was tripped in the area by Carlos Salcido.
Torres was next to threaten, rising unmarked to head a Fabio Aurelio corner wide, and it was fitting that he was involved in Liverpool's second goal on 34 minutes.
Much has been made of the potential potency of Torres' partnership with Keane but the common consensus is that it will be the Republic of Ireland international who will be creating chances for his Spanish team-mate.
The opposite was the case here, with Torres combining well with Kuyt on the right before sending over an inviting cross that Keane despatched past the helpless Isaksson to end his Liverpool goal-drought in his 11th game for the Reds.
Aside from his fruitless spell with Inter Milan, Keane has never had to wait this long for his first goal for a club and the relief in his trademark tumbling celebration was obvious.

Steven Gerrard lets fly with the free-kick for his 100th Liverpool goalPSV, to their credit, continued to work hard and Otman Bakkal and Amrabat both sent shots skidding wide of Pepe Reina's goal.
But Liverpool were still more than comfortable and Torres should have made it 3-0 when he ran on to Jan Kromkamp's sloppy backpass only to see his attempted flick drift wide.
The third goal did arrive on 74 minutes, courtesy of Gerrard, who marked his century of Reds goals with an absolute scorcher.
Gerrard, so often Liverpool's saviour in the past, has scored many more crucial goals for his club but few have been better strikes than his free-kick, which left Isaksson with no chance.
That should have capped a fine night for the Anfield faithful but instead it was PSV who had the final word, Koevermans meeting a deep cross and getting enough on the ball to beat Reina.
The end result was never in doubt, however, and Liverpool will head into back-to-back fixtures with Atletico Madrid in a strong position to qualify for the knock-out stages.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard (Babel 81), Alonso, Riera (Benayoun 68), Torres, Keane (Leiva Lucas 75).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Mascherano.
Goals: Kuyt 5, Keane 34, Gerrard 76.
PSV: Isaksson, Kromkamp, Simons, Marcellis, Salcido, Brechet (Pieters 46), Mendez (Dzsudzsak 76), Culina, Bakkal, Amrabat, Wuytens (Koevermans 60).Subs Not Used: Cassio, Rodriguez, Zonneveld, Nijland.
Booked: Marcellis.
Goals: Koevermans 78.
Att: 41,097
Ref: Felix Brych (Germany).

Liverpool 1-0 S Liege (1-0 agg)

Liverpool scraped into the group stages of the Champions League courtesy of a 118th-minute goal from Dirk Kuyt against a valiant Standard Liege.
Kuyt sidefooted home at the far post to end a tortuous night for the Reds.
They survived two early scares when keeper Pepe Reina produced superb saves in palming away strikes from Dieudonne Mbokani and Marouane Fellaini.
Liverpool were denied a penalty in extra-time when Oguchi Onyewu brought down Nabil El Zhar before Kuyt's goal.
The result and timing of the goal was harsh on the Belgian champions, who had proved stubborn opponents for Liverpool.
The Reds had been fortunate to leave Liege with a goalless draw in the first leg and were expected to show an improvement on home territory.
But the visitors had other ideas as they were inspired rather than overwhelmed by the occasion and quickly caused the Anfield side problems.
Mbokani left fly from 22 yards and Reina, who saved a penalty in Belgium, had to smartly dive low to his right to turn the ball around his post.
The chance added to Liverpool's nerves and, after Robbie Keane poorly shot over, Liege continued to increase the sense of anxiety around Anfield.
Igor De Camargo missed a cross with an attempted shot but recovered to put the ball back in for Fellaini, whose steered volley was palmed away by Reina.
The Spanish keeper was again proving Liverpool's saviour and, despite Xabi Alonso curling an effort wide for the Reds, the pressure and pace of Liege had the home team looking shaky.
And the surge of confidence sweeping through the visitors was signalled when Marcos Camozzato angled an ambitious 35-yard half-volley wide.
Liverpool's lack of width was being exposed by the Belgian champions, who comfortably closed out the home side's attempted attacks through the middle.
When the Reds did have a sight on goal from a corner, Kuyt headed a far post header disappointingly wide just before the interval.
Liege sat back after the break and held Liverpool at bay as they hoped to catch the Merseysiders out on the counter-attack.
The game became a more cagey affair as the Reds continued to struggle to find a way through their resolute opponents.
Liverpool were then left breathing a sigh of relief when De Camargo sent a diving header just wide before the end of 90 minutes.
In extra-time, Alvaro Arbeloa had an audacious long range half-volley saved by keeper Rorys Aragon before Onyewu survived giving away a spot-kick.
Kuyt then struck, as penalties loomed, for a goal on his 100th appearance for the club to put them into Thursday's lucrative group stage draw.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:"We have to give credit to Kuyt because sometimes when he makes a mistake people highlight it.
"But you could see for the 120 minutes how hard he works and he is an amazing player for every team.
"He never hides and is the kind of player who is very important and he is a fantastic professional."
Standard Liege boss Laszlo Boloni: "We are very sad after that result. Over two matches we have been the best organised team and we deserved better than to lose like that in the final minutes.
"We have produced a high standard in both matches, and now I hope that can be continued in our league matches and the Uefa Cup.
"I sometimes wondered whether the referee was affected by the fact that we were playing a big team. I felt we should have had a couple of penalties.
"But in the end we created a lot of good situations in both matches and did not make use of them."
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun (Babel 61), Keane (El Zhar 83), Torres (Plessis 120).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Spearing.
Goals: Kuyt 118.
Standard Liege: Aragon, Camozzato, Onyewu, Sarr, Dante, Dalmat (Jovanovic 86), Fellaini, Defour (Nicaise 118), Witsel, De Camargo (Toama 101), Mbokani.Subs Not Used: Devriendt, Goreux, Mikulic, Ingrao.
Booked: Sarr, De Camargo, Dante.
Att: 43,889
Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).