Liverpool, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield and without injured captain Steven Gerrard, threatened to pull off a sensational comeback but ultimately failed in their quest to reach the last four and a meeting with Barcelona.

Needing at least three goals to give themselves a chance of saving the tie, Liverpool went 1-0 up after 19 minutes thanks to fine improvisation from Brazilian Fabio Aurelio.

Serbian Branislav Ivanovic, who scored twice in the first leg, turned from hero to villain by holding Xabi Alonso and conceding a penalty nine minutes later. Spaniard Alonso sent Cech the wrong way to make it 2-0 and 3-3 on aggregate.

Undeterred, Chelsea hit back after the break with two goals in six minutes.

Anelka crossed low from the right for Didier Drogba to get the finest of touches and Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina could only divert the ball into his own net.

Photographs: Reuters