Old rivalries renewed in Champions League gala

MILAN: Liverpool against Chelsea is the most eagerly anticipated Champions League quarterfinal first leg this week despite the pair having met in the competition in each of the last four seasons.

Liverpool's stunning form at home and abroad and Chelsea's resurgence under interim coach Guus Hiddink make for an intriguing all-English tie rather than a boring fifth instalment of what has usually been a cagey affair.

Rafa Benitez' side, who beat Real Madrid home and away in the last round and also humbled Manchester United recently to reopen the Premier League title race, have home advantage on Wednesday with the return leg in London on April 14.