When Vincent Kompany broke through Leicester City s stoic resistance with a long-range rocket launched in hope more than expectation, Liverpool fans began to accept their title hopes were over.
Fast forward 24 hours, however, and the mood had suddenly and spectacularly changed. A miraculous Champions League recovery against Barcelona at Anfield secured a second successive final appearance in Europe s major club competition, meaning an outstanding campaign may yet end with a trophy.
Yet this season does not require silverware to define it as a success. What this squad has achieved should not be undermined simply because of their final position in the table.
Liverpool ran a valiant race in the league, clearing plenty of tricky hurdles along the way but, in th…