Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side have every chance of winning at Stamford Bridge next week in their finely-balanced Capital One Cup semi-final, while Jose Mourinho joked about signing Steven Gerrard on loan.
The first leg finished 1-1 at Anfield after Raheem Sterling cancelled out Eden Hazard's penalty but the visitors had to withstand a barrage in the second half which was kept out by the excellent Thibaut Courtois.
Such a performance has given Rodgers and his side high hopes for the return leg and with striker Daniel Sturridge potentially available after a long injury absence the odds may just be evened up slightly.
"They will probably feel happy with the draw because we definitely deserved to win," said Rodgers.
"They had one shot on target, which was the penalty. It was an outstanding team performance and sets it up perfectly for the second leg.
"You would expect Chelsea to open up more playing at home and that will suit us even more.
"There is absolutely no doubt we can go to the second leg and get the performance we need and we will have confidence in that."
"I think he (Gerrard) has more than enough quality to play in the Premier League. In spite (of the fact) he's my opponent, I feel sorry that he's leaving" - Jose Mourinho
Sturridge's thigh problem has kept him out since August 31 but in his absence Sterling has done a decent job and he took his goal brilliantly.
"It was very good. The rest has done him the world of good. He was outstanding," added Rodgers.
"He has that ability to run in behind but he can also exploit the space in front of the defender. His speed was frightening to get in and finish of his left side, it was a wonderful goal and he certainly deserved that for his performance."
After hammering Swansea 5-0 at the weekend Mourinho expected more from his side, especially after they took the lead.
"Obviously Liverpool didn't deserve to lose but I go (away) frustrated," he said.
"We had lots of situations where we recovered the ball and were facing a three defenders tactical system with lots of space to counter-attack.
"Eden (Hazard), Willian and Diego (Costa) were in great positions but we missed so many passes.
"Exactly the opposite that happened against Swansea. Against Swansea, recover the ball, the right pass and choice and counter-attack.
"It was fantastic defensive work, recover the ball against a very good team with creative players, fast players, but we were not efficient in the transition. To score only one goal frustrates me.
"But to transform the two-leg semi-final into a one-leg semi-final with that leg at Stamford Bridge is obviously better for us."
Mourinho was asked on BBC Radio 5 Live if he should have a word with Gerrard and persuade him to stay, and said, with tongue firmly in cheek: "Or to get him on loan."
Mourinho continued: "I'm not happy he leaves. I would love the Premier League to keep always the best players.
"I think he has more than enough quality to play in the Premier League. In spite (of the fact) he's my opponent, I feel sorry that he's leaving."
