-- PHOTOS: AFP, AP, REUTERS

It was not until after he gave Chelsea a 2-1 lead that the midfielder finally let his emotions flow.

A week after his mother's death from pneumonia, Lampard paid tribute to her by pointing to the sky and kissing his black armband.

'He's a brave man. He was very close to his mother and what has happened in the last days to him wasn't easy,' Chelsea manager Avram Grant said.

'It was his decision, but he played well and it has been a little bit tough on him.'

Teammates raced over to embrace Lampard after his emotional celebration.

The England midfielder then returned to the centre circle and pointed to his father, Frank Lampard Sr, in the crowd.

The player returned to the team early from compassionate leave for the match, even before the family had a chance to bury his mother Pat.

In a moment of genuine compassion, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard handed a bunch of flowers to his rival before kickoff.

Lampard went on to score his penalty in the 98th minute of Wednesday's match to help his team beat Liverpool 3-2, and 4-3 on aggregate.

He also contributed to Didier Drogba's first goal with a defence-splitting pass.

After the match, Lampard declined to speak to reporters, but the rest of his teammates could not hide their praise.

'What a character Lamps is to come in on Sunday and train and try and block out what has been a terrible week for him, his family and everyone close to Frank,' captain John Terry said.

'I'm sure Frank will dedicate the goal to his mum.'

ASSOCIATED PRESS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

LAMPARD REMEMBERS MUM WHO DIED LAST WEEK

John Terry: 'Frank was fantastic, what a character he is to come in and train on Sunday and to block out what has been a terrible week for him and his family. I am sure he will dedicate it to his mum.'