Jamie Carragher predicted on CBS Sport that Liverpool and Chelsea will meet in the semi-finals of the Champions League – and then stunned his fellow pundits by claiming the London club will progress.
The Sky pundit made his prediction prior to Liverpool losing a 3-1 first leg tie to Real Madrid, and before Chelsea’s tricky tie with Porto tonight.
Several pundits, including Micah Richards, Carragher, Alex Scott, Roberto Martinez, Guillem Balagué, Kate Abdo and Peter Schmeichel were all picking who they think will win the greatest club competition from here on in.
Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Porto, Manchester City and Dortmund remain.
And with his Liverpool hat firmly off, Carragher claimed that Chelsea will knock Liverpool out of the competition in the semi-final stages before eventually going on to lose to Manchester City.
“Real Madrid v Liverpool, two of the greatest teams we have seen in this competition,” said Carragher. “But I have to go for Liverpool because they are a much better team and Real Madrid are too old, at this moment.
“Chelsea and Porto. An absolute breeze for Chelsea. Porto not at the same level.
“Liverpool v Chelsea (potential semi-final) takes me back to 2005. But I think Chelsea will just do it.”
Richards squealed and then responded back in shock: “Chelsea!? You are going against your team? You are going against your team?! Hold on, stop, stop. You are going against your team over two legs?”
But Carragher may now have to change his mind given that Liverpool need to overcome a two-goal deficit to knock out Real Madrid in the second leg.
In normal circumstances, many would back Liverpool to do the business, in front of their Anfield crowd, even though it’s a tough scenario.
But given that the game will be played in front of empty seats, it does dampen the mood a little and it decreases Liverpool’s chances of progressing.
Despite that, this Liverpool team still have the history to get over that line and they now know that it’s nothing but all-out attack when they meet against next week, which might just suit them.
This one isn’t over yet!
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