Liverpool can still take pride from the Champions League

Then, in the semis they pushed Chelsea all the way and had it not been for John Arne Riise's own goal in the first leg and a couple of controversial decisions by the referee in the second leg I believe they would have made it to the final in Moscow.

I was worried about the referee beforehand but have to admit over 90 minutes he did really well and got most things right.

But in extra time he had three big decisions to make and all three of them went against Liverpool.

The first one he got spot on. Sami Hyypia clearly fouled Michael Ballack and it was a blatant penalty for Chelsea, no question about it.

Then there was a tackle by Michael Essien on Ryan Babel which I thought was a penalty to Liverpool but the referee waved play on.

But worst of all was Didier Drogba's foul on Hyypia in the box which went unpunished.

Drogba got nowhere near the ball, everyone in the ground could see that. He caught Hyypia who went down and the referee put his whistle to his lips as if he was about to blow for a spot kick.
He didn't though and that is something which will always baffle me.

The only thing I can think is that the game was at Stamford Bridge and he didn't want to upset the home team.

That's why having the second leg away from home was significant. Not because of the Chelsea crowd - their fans didn't exactly create an intimidating atmosphere - but because the most crucial decisions went their way.

Had those same penalty shouts been at Anfield Liverpool would have been awarded at least one penalty, there's no doubt about it.

They may have been knocked out in the end but, like Steven Gerrard said after the game, Liverpool can be proud of their efforts because they gave absolutely everything and had they enjoyed a bit more luck would now be in the Champions League Final