Chelsea and Liverpool have played out a goalless first half in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final this evening.

Diego Costa was involved in a contentious moment early on when he appeared to stamp on Emre Can, but it was not spotted by the officials.

The match was being played at a frantic pace and Raheem Sterling almost found himself through on goal, before a last-ditch challenge on Kurt Zouma stopped him in his tracks.

Moments later Chelsea were attacking down the other end of the pitch and Eden Hazard was inches away from applying the finishing touch to a dangerous Branislav Ivanovic cross.

In the 22nd minute there was another moment of controversy as Martin Skrtel appeared to foul Costa inside the box, but referee Michael Oliver waved away the Brazilian's appeals.

Alberto Moreno was then played through by Steven Gerrard, but his effort was beaten away by Thibaut Courtois at his near post.

Courtois was called into action again soon after to make a block from Philippe Coutinho's stinging low drive.

Chelsea began to regain their composure and Oscar flashed a free kick wide, before drilling a low strike off target moments later.

Coutinho had another shot blocked just before half time, as the two teams went into the break all square.