However, spilling a powerfully-struck but seemingly routine Didier Drogba effort from an acute angle into his own net was an uncharacteristic blunder.

With a thunderous Alex free-kick being followed up by another Drogba strike, suddenly Benitez’s comeback kings had seemingly been ‘out-Liverpooled’ by Guus Hiddink’s troops and everyone would have been forgiven for thinking the tie had been put to bed – certainly after Fernando Torres had been withdrawn with one eye on the Premier League run-in.

But two efforts in little more than a minute from Lucas and Dirk Kuyt saw the non-stop pendulum swing again ensuring the visitors were a goal away from progressing.

Ultimately Frank Lampard would spoil the party ensuring the final score would end at 4-4 – obviously drawing parallels with the FA Cup classic against Everton in 1991 but on that famous occasion a goal apiece came in extra-time.

Of course all Liverpool fans will today be concerning themselves with non-footballing matters but on the pitch there’s now only one goal to play for.

For once, Benitez now needs success in the title race to paper over the cracks of a European failure.

Whatever happened in the Champions League this season, the destination of the Premier League trophy this season was always going to be top of the agenda at Anfield.

Liverpool are playing the better football but United still hold the advantage.

Time to strap yourselves in for a white-knuckle ride if it’s half as pulsating as this.