Classic Clashes Between Liverpool And Chelsea

Liverpool face Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with the first major domestic trophy of the season on offer for the winners. Here's a look at classic encounters in a bitter rivalry:

Genesis of a feud

Fittingly for a man who revels in his reputation as football's agent provocateur, it was Jose Mourinho who lit the fuse on Chelsea's acrimonious feud with Liverpool.

Fuelled by Roman Abramovich's billions and Mourinho's masterful mind games, Chelsea were about to embark on a golden era and Liverpool, as one of England's traditional powers, were especially irked by the ostentatious newcomers.

So when they met in the 2005 League Cup final in Cardiff sparks were bound to fly and Mourinho and company didn't disappoint.

John Arne Rise's first minute opener for Liverpool was followed by a late Steven Gerrard own goal that forced extra-time.

In an early glimpse of his emotional touchline antics, Mourinho was sent off for taunting Liverpool fans with a shushing gesture after the equaliser.

With Mourinho by now watching on television, strikes from Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman put Chelsea in control.

Antonio Nunez got one back for Liverpool, but Chelsea held on for a 3-2 win that secured the first trophy of Mourinho's reign and ignited a grudge that lingers to this day.

Garcia's 'ghost goal'

Any enduring sporting enmity needs an iconic moment to guarantee it stands the test of time. For Liverpool and Chelsea that moment arrived at Anfield on May 3, 2005.

Just three minutes into the Champions League semi-final second leg, Liverpool's Milan Baros beat Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to the ball inside the area.

It rolled towards Luis Garcia and the Spanish winger prodded his close-range shot goalwards despite