How bizarre.
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In his analysis of the second leg for BBC Radio Five Live, former England manager Graham Taylor noted how the challenge of European competition seemed to "appeal to Benitez's tactical nous".
That shrewdness was never more evident than in the way he broke down Barca using two key strategies.
It stands to reason that when you are protecting a 2-1 lead against a team with the attacking flair of Barcelona, defence will be crucial but Tuesday's performance was hardly a backs-to-the-wall scramble.
In the first half, Barcelona had plenty of possession but Liverpool keeper Jose Reina did not have to make a single save, while at the other end the Reds twice hit the woodwork among 10 efforts on goal.
Taylor explained: "The greatest thing Liverpool did, especially in the first half, is they kept Barcelona in front of them as often as they possible could. That is the art of good defending.
"It's when the ball and the opponent is behind you that you're really in trouble.
"As long as it is in front of you, it doesn't matter how talented the player is, you're still in control of the situation. Liverpool were first-class at that."
As Liverpool tired in the second-half, Barcelona did begin to look more threatening but they found central defender Jamie Carragher in outstanding form.
"In the last 10 minutes, when Liverpool had a corner, Carragher was shouting to the players, pulling them back," said Taylor.
"The hallmark of a great defender is he recognises danger even when his own side have the ball because he knows the chances are the ball will be lost and he's already reorganising in preparation for that."Thanks very much for being ‘This Mornings’ Farmer’Comment
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