Grant - We deserved it

Chelsea boss delighted with away draw

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 23rd April 2008

Grant Avram

Grant: European edge

We know this is a big step towards the Champions League final and we believe we can complete the task.

Avram Grant
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Avram Grant is adamant Chelsea deserved their 1-1 first leg draw with Liverpool in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League at Anfield.

The Blues now hold the away goal advantage ahead of next week's return meeting at Stamford Bridge after Liverpool defender John Arne Riise headed an injury-time own goal to cancel out Dirk Kuyt's scrappy first half opener.

And Chelsea boss Grant believes the result was a fair one on a night of high tension and limited goal mouth action.

"We deserved it," Grant told Sky Sports . "It was a game without many chances.

Mistake

"They had a chance in the first half. We had a chance in the first half.

"It was the same in the second half. There were not many chances. It was typical for a semi-final.

"The two goals were from mistakes. Until the first goal we controlled the game. We controlled the game and then we made a mistake."

And Grant recognises that Chelsea's away goal could prove decisive in determining which side progresses to the Champions League final in Moscow on 21st May.

Tough

"In the second half we made some changes because we knew that the away game is important," Grant continued.

"We changed the midfield and changed the system and it was a good result for us.

"But although the draw is good for us, we know it will be tough at Stamford Bridge.

"It is always difficult for teams to play at Anfield with the support Liverpool's fans create, but it can also be intimidating for teams who visit Stamford Bridge.

"We know this is a big step towards the Champions League final now, and we believe we can complete the task in the second leg."

Grant also praised the performance of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who made a succession of fine saves to prevent Liverpool from adding to their goal, including a point blank stoppage time block from Fernando Torres - just two minutes before Riise's own goal.

"He was good," added Grant when asked about Cech's performance. "He was unlucky with the goal. But he made some good saves. He was Petr."