It was written in the stars. The only team in the world allowed to play with 12 players facing off against a multi-million dollar machine.

Liverpool’s 12th player, the Kop, were playing the most important role for Rafa Benitez – elevation and motivation for the 11 men on the field, non-stop for 90 minutes and beyond. And they followed Rafa’s instructions excellently. “Roar us to the finals,” he asked – and they passionately obliged!

The Reds had their work cut out before kick-off; their target, to score two goals and not concede. And they came out the brighter of the two sides, the players seemingly floating on the harmonious tunes of the Anfield faithful – and portraying guts, will and determination which proved the deciding factors on the night.

Steven Gerrard was pure class, exuberance personified, and brought closure on the Gerrard/Frank Lampard debate once and for all. Lampard is far behind him in almost every department and last night was the official proof.

The free-kick that led to the goal was something the players had no doubt practised on numerous occasions at the training ground, and Daniel Agger’s finish was one that Peter Crouch or Dirk Kuyt would have been proud of. Agger took his chance brilliantly – his perfect placement beating ‘the’ wall that is Petr Cech. And that is no easy task.

The Liverpool goal was an ice-cold glass of water on the Chelsea players and it seemed to shock them into action. Attack after attack ensued, but the Liverpool backline thwarted them all successfully. Eventually, when the home defence was temporarily breached and Didier Drogba shot at goal, Pepe Reina had him covered and was on hand (excuse the pun) to protect his goal.