Gerrard taunts Jose after keeper wins it for 'little' Liverpool

14 April 2012

Jose Mourinho had to endure the taunts of a gloating Steven Gerrard after seeing his quadruple dream shattered by more penalty heroics from Pepe Reina at Anfield.

The Spain goalkeeper made it an incredible five saves out of seven from his last two shoot-outs to take Liverpool into their second Champions League Final in three years with a 4-1 victory on penalties after Daniel Agger's 22nd-minute strike had levelled the tie on aggregate.

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This way to Athens: Pepe Reina saves Arjen Robben's penalty

A crestfallen Mourinho received a warm handshake from opposite number Rafa Benitez at the end of the spot-kick drama, but there was little sympathy from Gerrard, once a top transfer target for the Chelsea manager, as he said: "Mourinho did the team talk for us. We all read the press and understood what he was saying.

"It was a bit disappointing hearing him say we are only a little club, but there you go. Mind you, we've got to two European Cup finals in three years now. Not bad for a little club, eh?

"This is one of the best nights of my life — there were so many factors behind it. The atmosphere, manager's tactics and preparation all played a part.

"And it also helps that we've got the best goalkeeper in the world.

"It doesn't half reassure you when you watch the penalties unfolding from the halfway line and see he's between the posts."

Despite Dirk Kuyt hitting the bar and going close to a winner in the last minute of extra time, Mourinho flatly refused to accept Liverpool had booked their place in Athens on merit.

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Spanish fever: Liverpool players celebrate with penalty star Jose Reina after securing passage to the Champions League final

"It is the most heartbreaking moment of my time at Chelsea, and it is all the harder to take when you consider we were the best team," he said. "We were the only team trying to win it in 90 minutes and again in extra time.

"But football is like this, and in 10 years or so no one will remember that we were the best team and should have won.

"All I saw was one team in blue playing without any problems and trying to win the game.

"They were stronger when it came to penalties but I don't accept Liverpool had the best chances. We weren't the team playing for penalties.

One to savour: Daniel Agger celebrates after his 22nd-minute strike had levelled the tie

"We created good chances and had a dominant figure in Didier Drogba.

"Liverpool knew that, and that is why they defended so much. I have won this before and I'm very sad not to be going again.

"I know how the players will be feeling but this is a time for strong minds."

Benitez could barely believe Mourinho's claim that the better team lost but preferred to salute his team and, in particular, Reina, who saved three out of four penalties in last season's FA Cup Final shoot-out with West Ham.

"He really said that?" queried the Liverpool manager.

"I would rather concentrate on my team's marvellous achievement and the amazing atmosphere our fantastic supporters created.

"Reina always liked saving penalties in Spain and it is the same here. It is something he really enjoys and he is doing it all the time in training.

"The key overall, though, was that we played with passion, determination and heart."

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Heading home: John Terry consoles Arjen Robben after his missed penalty

Bookmakers are now offering odds of 11-10 that Mourinho will not be in charge of Chelsea next season.

They also make Liverpool evens favourites to win the Champions League, with Manchester United 7-4 and Milan, their opponents tonight, 3-1.

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