The build-up to the Champions League Final was tainted by ticket allocation which left thousands of Liverpool fans without the chance to see the game. For the first 40 minutes I was pleasantly surprised by the Reds. I wouldn't go as far as saying the lads bossed the match, but Liverpool were definitely the better side. They created chances and the enormity of the occasion did not stifle their play.

In midfield, Javier Mascherano was absolutely brilliant in shackling Kaka while Xabi Alonso had his moments with a decent shot at Dida's goal and his infiltrating passes out of defence were sheer elegance and class. Jermaine Pennant looked lively, willing to take on players and intercepting loose passes. He had Liverpool's first shot and with a bigger target up front, his crosses would not have been wasted.

Bolo Zenden, whilst being in the thick of the action, never proved inspirational and was below his Chelsea performance. Steven Gerrard did not control the midfield as much as he would have liked, due to the position he was assigned, but he was always there thrusting forward.

Milan's first goal was a sucker punch and a blow below the belt. In the second half, Liverpool had their chances but did not really test Dida. Rafael Benitez then gambled by taking Mascherano off for Peter Crouch. Kaka's shackles were removed in the process and one pass to Filippo Inzaghi gave Liverpool a mountain to climb in 10 minutes. The summit proved out of reach.

Whilst feeling dejected, our dignity shines on and we look forward to a busy summer. The contract extensions to Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will be the best possible start to the close season.