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LONDON - THE mood among Liverpool fans was one of acceptance - that the Reds had lost to a stronger, deeper team in Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals.
Manager Rafael Benitez had already over-achieved in Europe and a third Champions League final in four seasons would have been a truly astonishing accomplishment.
While Chelsea were able to introduce £60 million (S$162 million) worth of Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko and Florent Malouda, Liverpool's substitutions barely crept pass the £20 million mark.
'It just wasn't to be,' said captain Steven Gerrard. 'We gave it absolutely everything and I was as proud to be captain of the team as I have ever been.
'Even after going behind, we kept on fighting but you have to give Chelsea credit - you don't get through to European Cup finals unless you are a good side.'
But there were still the nagging 'what ifs'.
What if John Arne Riise did not concede one of the costliest own goals in history in the dying seconds of the first leg?
'If we had won 1-0 at home, we would have been in the final,' said Benitez.
What if the Reds' quickest defender, Martin Skrtel, did not go off with an injury, giving his replacement, Sami Hyypia, the chance to bring down Michael Ballack for an extra-time penalty that turned the tide?
And what if Benitez did not open his mouth to infuriate Didier Drogba by publicly complaining before the match that the Chelsea striker was a serial diver?
Drogba, clearly stung, declared that Benitez had shown 'a lack of class', then drilled in two decisive goals and barely went to ground all evening, except after scoring the opener.
He stormed towards the Liverpool technical area, sliding to his knees in front of Benitez. The stare said everything, the message was crystal clear.
Benitez tried to dismiss the notion that his comments had fired up the Ivorian, saying: 'Do I regret saying those things about him? No way.
'Are you saying that he needed more motivation than the chance to play in the final? I don't think so.'
But Drogba, who pinned a picture of Benitez next to his peg in the dressing-room, insisted otherwise, saying: 'My goal celebration? It's very personal what Benitez did, and this is not good. You can speak to your players, but not to the papers.'
There were other mistakes by Benitez.
When Yossi Benayoun finally came to grips with the match with a slick pass beneath the body of defender Ricardo Carvalho that set up Fernando Torres' second-half equaliser, he was taken off.
On came Jermaine Pennant, and he barely had a touch.
Torres' withdrawal with Liverpool down 1-2 in extra-time was even more inexplicable.
Benitez insisted his 31-goal striker had a hamstring injury, but the withering look Torres cast as he walked past his manager suggested otherwise.
The sight of club co-owner Tom Hicks striding across the pitch after the final whistle then reminded everyone that Liverpool's biggest problem is not at left-back or on the wings. It is in the boardroom.
At least Liverpool fans would not have to endure the possibility of losing to Manchester United in a European Cup final now.
Reds defender Jamie Carragher said: 'I hope Chelsea win the final, I prefer them to United.'
REUTERS
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