There have been distractions off the pitch which have been marring the whole season, and leaving a sour taste and sore wounds on every red. Yesterday we had the perfect distraction from it all. Yesterday there was no need of vetoes, the feeling was mutual. Two wins over the Serie A Champions, leaders and probably champions elect is a confirmation of the sans pareil European pedigree Liverpool F.C. holds and is continuing to carry. And we are able to dream again. We respect the glorious past, we hold on every thread of folk story that make Liverpool F.C. what is today, and we are adding chapters in the unique encyclopedia that is this club.

The special night at Anfield over Inter Milan three weeks ago was respected and now alleviated with this performance. The two goal advantage Liverpool travelled with was not only looked after but ended in giving dividends. It created space for the forwards. And I cannot wish to anyone else than Torres to be the Liverpool forward. He either makes the keeper tremble, work hard or feeling useless. The striker at the other end is considered one of the very top forwards in European football and has a record that speaks for itself. On evidence of these two matches, our Spaniard made him look one of the others, one of the masses.

There was no longing for the final whistle. There were no complications at the end. It was made swift. And a usually partisan crowd which probably believes that Milan is the world stood up and applauded the team from Merseyside. No booing or whistling. Just mutual respect for a self-made aristocrat in European football which never forgets his roots.