On a day when the potential of Blackburn Rovers was clear, the owners of this once proud club will have been awash with regret while watching in India.
A very strong performance indeed, taking the lead against Manchester United via a fine goal. A stronger attendance, over 23,000, than Ewood Park has seen for a long time, too.
This tie provided respite from turmoil and a relegation battle — a show of what is possible and the sort of day their supporters should be enjoying regularly.
'The fans were outstanding,' Owen Coyle said.