Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he's cleared the air with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso ahead of this week's Champions League showdown.

Their rift began on New Year's Day 2005 when a routine challenge by Lampard broke Alonso's leg.

Two months ago, after four years of fraught clashes, it reached its nadir when the England star was sent off at Anfield for what appeared a reckless challenge.

He pleaded innocence and it was later revealed to be a legitimate tackle.

That red card was rescinded and a fortnight later, after England lost 2-0 to Spain in Seville, Lampard offered Alonso an olive branch which he believes was accepted.

Lampard said: "It's always a good battle between Alonso and me. We've had our moments but there's a lot of respect.

"I spoke to him after the Spain game because of the red card I got before and cleared the air a bit.

"Look, there are a lot more important things in the world than things in football and you shouldn't have petty arguments off the pitch."