Luis Garcia: The ball went in
Luis Garcia grabbed his fifth goal in this season’s Champions League to send Liverpool into the final on May 25 in Istanbul, insisting he had no doubts the effort was over the line.
The Spanish midfielder pounced to hook home a fourth-minute shot that ensured Liverpool completed a 1-0 aggregate victory over Chelsea at Anfield last night.
TV replays have failed to confirm that the ball was over the line, with William Gallas hooking clear.
But Luis Garcia, whose goals have been crucial to Liverpool reaching their sixth European Cup final, said: “When Milan Baros was brought down by the keeper I just kept going and hooked it towards the goal, I felt it went in and I am very happy now.”
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech had flattened Baros in the run-up to the goal, but all appeals for a penalty were ended when referee Lubos Michel allowed Luis Garcia’s follow up.
The 26-year-old said: “It was an important win and for me a very important game and goal.
“When we arrived here last summer we were intent on winning some trophies, but I do not think we expected to get to the Champions League final in our first season in England.
“It was not just me, everyone was a hero out there. We had to defend and work so hard, it was difficult to keep the ball and when we saw six minutes go up it was almost too much for us.
“But this is not just about the players, it is so important for the club too. For us to get to the final is beyond all our dreams, and for me to score the goal is a special moment too.”
