Chelsea survived a rampant Liverpool display to come away from Anfield with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the first Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Liverpool came into the match on the back of three successive wins and dominated early proceedings, with captain Steven Gerrard coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his long range effort was tipped over by Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 16th minute.

However, Belgian international Eden Hazard – against the run of play – then gave the Blues the lead two minutes later from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the area by Emre Çan.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Martin Atkinson, as did Liverpool for what they felt was handball by Costa on the stroke of half time as Chelsea went into the break in the lead despite having just one shot on target.

However, the home side’s dominance of the match was eventually rewarded 12 minutes into the second half courtesy of a spectacular solo effort from Raheem Sterling.

Gerrard then saw an effort crash off the Chelsea woodwork 10 minutes later while Costa had another penalty appeal waved aside late on as both sides settled for the draw.

Chelsea will host the return leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge next week while the second semi-final first leg between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United will take place at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.