LONDON: Liverpool face Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with the first major domestic trophy of the season on offer for the winners.

AFP Sport looks at classic encounters in a bitter rivalry:

- Genesis of a feud -

Fittingly for a man who revels in his reputation as football’s agent provocateur, it was Jose Mourinho who lit the fuse on Chelsea’s acrimonious feud with Liverpool.

Fuelled by Roman Abramovich’s billions and Mourinho’s masterful mind games, Chelsea were about to embark on a golden era and Liverpool, as one of England’s traditional powers, were especially irked by the ostentatious newcomers.

So when they met in the 2005 League Cup final in Cardiff sparks were bound to fly and Mourinho and company didn’t disappoint.

John Arne Rise’s first minute opener for Liverpool was followed by a late Steven Gerrard own goal that forced extra-time.

In an early glimpse of his emotional touchline antics, Mourinho was sent off for taunting Liverpool fans with a shushing gesture after the equaliser.

With Mourinho by now watching on television, strikes from Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman put Chelsea in control.