The euphoria of the past few weeks had to end at some point. We hoped it would be in May with a league and European Cup to our name alas the latter looks unlikely after tonight but far from impossible.
After a month where we've seen the Reds stick four past Real and Man U (Andrea Dossena scoring in both games!), obliterate a strong Aston Villa and summon the latest of late goals at Fulham to cap yet another improbable stoppage time win you've got to believe that we can go to Stamford Bridge and score three without reply, afterall we scored four at Old Trafford...
The point is don't give up yet but this wasn't good tonight for sure. The awesome start that smashed Real Madrid looked on the cards when Torres put us in front but Chelsea's comeback was impressive. Didier Drogba should have levelled on two occasions. Ivanovic's equaliser was preventable but inevitable as was his second goal, the flaws of zonal marking rearing their ugly head again but what odds a full back scoring two goals in a Champions League quarter final?
Drogba's third was deserved and a fine finish to a fine move. We had no reply. Our heads dropped from the moment Chelsea equalised and we just couldn't break them down. Lucas and Dossena, two players who have played out of their skins in recent weeks suddenly returned to their average selves, losing the ball, messing up the easy things. It was Middlesbrough away all over again but at a higher level and far more costly.
Quite simply, Rafa Benitez was tactically outclassed in Europe and there's a line you've probably never read in the five years he's been at Liverpool. He won't like that and that's all we can hope for when it comes to Stamford Bridge next Tuesday night, that he is so riled by tonight that he sends his players out to achieve the unlikely and they've been doing it all season.
And let us not forget that next week we play for the 96 Reds who should be here today. There is no greater incentive than that. Do them proud redmen. Believe.
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