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Chelsea players were running out of steam - Di Matteo

Liverpool's attack was too good for Chelsea at Anfield © Getty Images

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Roberto Di Matteo insisted he had to sacrifice Chelsea's league ambitions in Tuesday's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool, in order to give them the best chance of winning the Champions League.

Di Matteo made eight changes to the side that won the FA Cup against the same opposition on Saturday, with John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires - all suspended for the European final - the only retained names in the starting XI.

Liverpool took full advantage, smashing their opposition 4-1 thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Daniel Agger and Jonjo Shelvey, in addition to Michael Essien's own goal. The result means Chelsea can now only qualify for the Champions League by winning it.

"We've come so far because we've used all the energy and all the players we have in the squad, that's the only way to be in the race for fourth until now and qualify for those two finals," Di Matteo told Sky Sports.

"No regrets, Liverpool is a difficult place to play and we found a very inspired Liverpool side.

"We've had very intense games, the last one just three days ago. To get yourself up every three days... it's a big demand on everyone. I thought with fresh legs and new energy we could have had a better chance.

"But Liverpool were better tonight."

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was delighted to see his side finally convert a good performance into a winning outcome at Anfield, where they have won just six league games all season. Tuesday's win saw the club's fans stay behind after the final whistle to salute their team's efforts despite a frustrating season.

"I think the players, every one, will be happy that they finished on a high note at Anfield," Dalglish said. "That performance there is on a par with a lot of the performances that we have had this season but, here especially, we haven't had the results that the performances have deserved. Tonight we got that.

"Ivanovic hit the bar early doors, but maybe that's the luck that you need. We also hit the woodwork twice again, so for us it's satisfactory and I just hope that the supporters go away feeling very happy.

"I don't think there is any other place in the Premiership where the supporters would turn up and be as loyal and as supportive as they have been, especially tonight after losing the cup final at the weekend. Great credit to them and I hope the boys have put a smile on their face.

"They know that there have been some very good performances here and they know that it hasn't been through the lack of trying and belief and determination to get the result. They understand that.

"There is a bit of silverware back on the cupboard after six years, back in Europe at the first time of asking after being out last year and we went close to winning the FA Cup."

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