Masch tells of exit heartache

Liverpool midfielder tells of pain after Chelsea defeat

By James Dall   Last updated: 1st May 2008

Javier Mascherano Liverpool

Mascherano: Exit agony

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Javier Mascherano has labelled Liverpool's UEFA Champions League exit 'very painful' after his team-mates 'gave everything' against Chelsea.

Liverpool departed this season's competition at the semi-final stage after they suffered a 3-2 loss on a dramatic Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge to leave Chelsea with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Didier Drogba struck a brace for the Blues, while Frank Lampard was also on target from the penalty spot in extra-time to ensure Avram Grant's side booked their place in Moscow's final on 21st May.

And Mascherano has expressed his agony at the defeat, which ended Liverpool's search for silverware this term.

Very painful

"It is very painful. We showed character and personality, so it's difficult to take because we played well and lost," he told the club's official website.

"We played at Anfield and the result was not so good, but here at Stamford Bridge we gave everything. We couldn't have done more.

"We thought we could go on to win the game after Fernando Torres scored because we had two or three chances but everything changed with the penalty.

"This time was not for us but I will go home knowing that we played well and gave everything.

"If we continue the way we have, we will bring titles to Liverpool. This is a young team and today we showed character. We played well and now we need to continue improving."