They were smart, they gave it their best and in Europe, are the better team than Chelsea or United. Overall, the other half of the ‘shit on a stick’ duo did its fans proud. What if the game had gone into extra time? Liverpool’s chances of winning would have increased dramatically. A Champions League medal hinges on such fine differences, and where Inzaghi kept his nerve, Gerrard didn’t and that’s what it eventually came down to. Kuyt and Pennant, while good, could have done much better. Liverpool were also tactically astute, pushing down the right flank to use Pennant’s pace while packing the midfield with Mascherano, Alonso and Gerrard to ensure that Kaka had no space in the first half (and he barely did, except for one shot and the move that won the free kick). Liverpool were better this year than they were 2 years ago, and you can put that down to the experience and quality the squad has developed in the last couple of years. Two, while Liverpool got their tactics spot on, they lacked the sheer quality to beat Milan, and it told in Athens tonight. One, in Rafael Benitez they have the master tactician, a man born to win cup competitions. The match drove home some key truths for Rafa Benitez, Liverpool and most importantly, their new owners. Update: Read the Liverpool view on the CL final