Anfield engulfed Lionel Messi, disarming FC Barcelona who were unable even to defend the 3-0 win at Camp Nou, where the '10' put Barcelona in a match-winning position ahead of the return leg.
The result, however, did not affect Jürgen Klopp, who maintained his plan and immobilised Lionel Messi from participating in the match based on an intensity unsustainable for Ernesto Valverde's side, powerless throughout the tie.
Beyond the painful 4-0 defeat, FC Barcelona showed their 'Messi-dependence', unable to find a plan B that does not rely on the Argentine. If the '10' does not appear, nobody else takes the initiative and assumes the striker's role.
Since bursting his way into the Azulgrana first team, Messi has only scored two goals in the eleven European eliminations he has suffered. Figures that do nothing to solidify his prowess in the history of the club.
Before disappearing in Anfield, the Argentine contested 19 Champions League matches in which he scored two goals that led to Barcelona's early departure.