But the biggest and most costly episode in this tournament was when Sotirios Kyrgiakos slipped up in the Stade Gerland three weeks ago, allowing Lisandro to pilfer the goal that torpedoed their hopes.

Elimination stings, particularly at such an early stage, but it has happened before – never mind Basle, one generation of supporters will never forget Nottingham Forest, Widewz Lodz and Dinamo Tbilisi – and it would be ridiculous to think it won’t happen again.

Anfield’s Class of 2009 have paid the ultimate price for lacking the strength in depth to cope with a disastrous injury list.

The financial implications are not as grave as some may fear for a club that is grappling a huge debt – Liverpool budget to reach the last 16 of the Champions League – and a shortfall could be made up with a run in the Europa League.

If this setback is only going to prove a temporary one then there can be no wallowing in self-pity or sulking that the glamorous games they have played are off the agenda.

To ensure they have the chance to right this wrong, Liverpool have a huge fight on their hands to finish in the top four once more and anyone who thinks Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City will slip away, is in for a rude awakening.

They might have won last night but it was certainly the most hollow Benitez has ever ‘celebrated’ during his time and the chorus of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which emanated from the visitors’ section at the end here had a solemn tone to it.

Liverpool down the years have never been more dangerous than just after they have been knocked over – that quality is needed now like never before.

DEBRECEN (4-4-2): Poleksic; Mijadinoski, Meszaros, Fodor (Dombi 78), Bodnar; Kiss, Lazzko, Cvitkovics, Szakaly (Coulibaly 62); Szelesi, Rudolf.

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Lucas, Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard (Aquilani 90), Aurelio (Dossena 89); Ngog (Benayoun 77).

Goals – Ngog (4)

Bookings – Szlelesi (23).

Attendance: 41,500.

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Holland).