Liverpool, who had not scored at Stamford Bridge in their last eight visits, broke that hoodoo in the 64th minute when Torres equalised after a brilliant run from Yossi Benayoun. The Israel midfielder sent Chelsea’s defence into a spin, playing the final ball through Ricardo Carvalho’s legs.

It was enough to take the game to extra time where the match turned Chelsea’s way again in a five-minute spell. First, Michael Essien appeared to have put Chelsea ahead 2-1 and ran half the length of the pitch celebrating before everyone realised he had been disallowed for offside.

On the spot

However, two minutes later Chelsea were ahead once more when Lampard sent Reina the wrong way from the spot after Sami Hyypia had fouled Michael Ballack. Drogba appeared to have finally killed Liverpool off when he turned in a cross from Nicolas Anelka after 105 minutes.

But Liverpool got an unlikely reprieve with Babel’s goal. That, though, was their last hurrah as Chelsea held on to celebrate an epic win in front of their delirious fans.