Associated Press

London, April 28:

Chelsea and Liverpool played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, with scoring opportunities limited amid a tough midfield battle. Chelsea had the better possession, but Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard wasted good opportunities to score and Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek didn’t have a save to make. The Reds also had the stronger chances, with only a reflex save by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech stopping Milan Baros’ header. On Tuesday, AC Milan beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final on goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson. The second legs are next week, with the final on May 25 in Istanbul, Turkey. The first half set the tone for Wednesday’s

match — a fast-paced midfield duel, with end-to-end play, but strong defence on both sides.

Premier League

NEWCASTLE: Middlesbrough edged closer to a UEFA Cup spot with a 0-0 draw at neighbour Newcastle on Wednesday but Magpies star Kieron Dyer’s hamstring injury could rule him out of England’s trip to the United States. Dyer’s hamstring troubled him before the match, and he lasted just 35 minutes at St James’ Park before limping off. England will play the United States and Colombia in friendlies in Chicago on May 28 and New York three days later.