The Reds won 4-1 on penalties after Jose Reina saved from Arjen Robben and Geremi with Dirk Kuyt hitting the winning kick to make up for his disallowed goal in extra-time.

Gerrard, who will lead his team to the final in Athens on May 23, told ITV1: "It was one of the best.

"The first time round was special but to do it again after being a goal down to a magnificent team like Chelsea. It is unbelievable - together we achieved it.

"The atmosphere helped, the managers' tactics, everything was spot on. But we crossed the line and we stuck together.

"We have the best goalkeeper in the world.

"But all credit to Chelsea."

The England midfielder also admitted Jose Mourinho's comments before the game had motivated the team.

"That's Jose for you - he's been a credit to English football, he makes us laugh now and then.

"I think he was a bit disrespectful calling us a little club. Two finals in three years - not bad for a little club."

Kuyt said: "It was very special for me - it will be my first final in my first year at Liverpool.

"We just believed in it. Pepe was fabulous."

Reina added: "Just a last step. We must do it."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez claimed he was satisfied his side would go through on penalties due to the amount of practice his players put in beforehand.

"We had confidence because we had players who practice in every training session - they like to do it," he told ITV.

Of hero goalkeeper Jose Reina, he added: "He is a player that's always good with penalties."

Benitez also hailed the workrate of his team - and the Anfield crowd.

"Every player and every supporter (deserves the win) - the atmosphere was amazing today."


Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed his Blues were the better team on the night.

"It is a moment when everybody has to be strong," he told ITV.

"They (the Chelsea players) have a lot of reasons to be proud. They did a great run in the Champions League.

"We were the best team today, even against a team only playing for the Champions League.

"In extra-time we were the only team who tried to win, but football is like that and the penalty shoot-out is part of the game."

Mourinho also denied that his comments in the build-up to the game had provided a spur for Liverpool.

He added: "I respected Liverpool always in my words. I don't need to say more and today I think the best team was Chelsea."