Liverpool, May 2:

Liverpool’s mastery in winning penalty kick shootouts extends to even the guys who weren’t on the team two years ago. First-year Reds striker Dirk Kuyt converted the winner to give Liverpool a 4-1 shootout victory over Chelsea on Tuesday, sending Liverpool to the European Champions League final for the second time in three years.

After prevailing over AC Milan in the final two years ago on penalties, Liverpool needed the tiebreaker again at Anfield after a 1-0 score over 120 minutes tied the semi-final 1-1 on aggregate.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina blocked attempts of Arjen Robben and Geremi, and Boudewijn Zenden, substitute Xabi Alonso and captain Steven Gerrard all converted for the Reds to set the stage for Kuyt’s dramatic winner. Reina was beaten only by Frank Lampard.

The penalties were required after Daniel Agger scored the aggregate equalizer for Liverpool in 23rd minute, one-timing a low cross with his left foot from the top of the area inside the left post.

Kuyt also had a goal disallowed in the 10th minute of extra time and had a shot saved by Petr Cech with only one minute to go.

Liverpool heads to the May 23 final in Athens against either Manchester United or AC Milan.

This is the third time Chelsea has been eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals. It was beaten by Liverpool in 2005 and by Monaco in 2004.

Gerrard said comments attributed to Mourinho before the game annoyed his teammates. “I think he was a bit disrespectful calling us a little club,” Gerrard said. “Two finals in three years — not bad for a little club.”

Liverpool took the lead when Agger capitalized on poor Chelsea marking. Instead of sending the ball into the box, Gerrard squared his free kick to Agger, who flicked the ball with his first touch for his first Champions League goal.

Chelsea’s first threatening effort came in the 32nd when Didier Drogba ran onto a ball from John Obi Mikel, but his shot from the right side was straight at Reina, who blocked the powerful strike. In the 39th, Drogba headed wide from a corner by Frank Lampard.

The game maintained its high tempo after the restart, with the Reds looking more dangerous. Peter Crouch used his height to connect with Jermaine Pennant’s cross in the 56th. Cech reacted quickly with his feet to deny the striker.

Three minutes later, Kuyt headed against the crossbar. When Terry gave the ball away in the 71st, Pennant found himself in space to unleash a shot, which Michael Essien deflected away.

Chelsea played without striker Andriy Shevchenko, who denied reports that he refused to travel with the team. Midfielder Michael Ballack was missing due to an ankle operation.