Advantage Chelsea -- but all to play for

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea head up to Liverpool next week after missing a clear chance to kill off their semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Joe Cole's well-taken goal after 29 minutes was the only one of the first leg, where Chelsea dominated the opening half but failed to finish off a Liverpool side that began far too cautiously and conceded all the early initiative.

Liverpool were far more effective in the second half, especially after Peter Crouch replaced Craig Bellamy in attack after 53 minutes.

But they were denied by some typically resolute Chelsea defending and one outstanding save from goalkeeper Peter Cech, who dived full length to save a sizzling Steven Gerrard volley.

Chelsea travel to Tuesday's second leg in better shape than two years ago, when they drew the home leg of their semi-final with Liverpool 0-0 and then lost the second leg 1-0 at Anfield.

However, Chelsea lost 2-0 on their last visit to Anfield in the Premier League in January -- which was also their last league defeat this season.

It marred a good record at Anfield over the last five seasons, with Chelsea having won three and drawn one of their seven games there.

Most of those games have been tight, low-scoring wars of attrition and next week's match is likely to be just as closely-contested.