When the final whistle eventually came, the embraces from Jurgen Klopp were that much more intense than usual. Jordan Henderson and James Milner were clasped a little longer and tighter than normal.
Sadio Mane was next in line to be held and then on to the pitch Klopp strode, where he threw his arms around Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, smiling that broad grin that spoke of three point taken. He lauded Andy Robertson.
Then, there was a special moment for Naby Keita, goal-scorer and exceptional here. There was a wave for the Liverpool fans up in the heavens of the towering stands and with that it was back to the dressing room to check on the Real Villareal score, semi-final opponents in the Champions League this week.