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After Wednesday's 1-0 victory in the first Champions League match against Liverpool, Chelsea's coach Jose Mourinho celebrated the win and claimed that his team deserved it.
"We rightfully scored a goal. If we manage to score another one in the away game, we would have great chances to reach the final. However, before the next match, we will have a 1-0 lead. I am satisfied with the performance of my players. Until the break, we could have scored several more goals because we played excellently. In the second half, Liverpool recovered and Steven Gerrard had a great opportunity, but we countered it perfectly. The match referees did a good job, but they made a mistake once by not noticing the opponents' handball," - said the Portuguese.
Mourinho emphasized that the second leg would be very tough: "Only half of the game has been played, and everything will be decided next week. Liverpool hopes to retaliate and beat us, but we also expect a successful result. It would be great to score a goal away from home."
Meanwhile, the losing coach Rafa Benitez acknowledged the opponent's advantage in this match: "We didn't play well in the first half, we gave the initiative too easily to the opponents, we couldn't keep possession, and allowed them to attack. After the break, we looked better and created opportunities."
However, the Spanish strategist did not lose hope: "The result is disappointing, but we will seek revenge at home and try not to concede a goal, although it will be difficult because the opponents counter-attack excellently and Didier Drogba is a top-class striker. But I believe we can win next week. Besides, we will have the support of our fans at home."
The second leg match between Liverpool and Chelsea will take place next Tuesday."
