For Everton it was a familiar story. Close but not quite good enough. It has defined their recent history and perhaps it will prove to define their medium-term future too.
A look back illustrates the trend. In 2005 Everton almost reached the Champions League proper. In 2009, they led in an FA Cup Final and lost. Three years later, they led Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final but couldn't see it out. Last season it was a League Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Leading after the first leg, Roberto Martinez's team lost.
And this season it is happening again.