Liverpool's Champion's League hopes were dealt a killer blow by two goals from Branislav Ivanovic - a defender more accustomed to warming the bench than inspirational scoring exploits.
They face an uphill struggle to answer Chelsea's three away goals when they make the ardous journey to Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.
Stevie Gerrard gave an uncharacteristic, quiet performance as his team suffered only their third loss of the season and equals their heaviest ever defeat in Europe.
Liverpool came out the most aggessive side and within the opening two minutes Fernando Torres won the first corner with a weaving drive.
The air of electric expectation evaporated into a raging, red mist of celebration when Liverpool took the lead within six minutes.
A composed Dirk Kuyt played the ball out wide to Alvaro Arbeloa, who spotted and unmarked Torres waiting in the box and delivered a perfectly weighted cross.
A moment of baited breath and calm from the crowd before El Nino placed a low driving shot under the flailing arms of Petr Cech.
Pepe Reina entered the Anfield history books after becoming the first Liverpool keeper to make 50 European appearences.
His experience seemed to pay off early on as he calmly made a body block from Didier Drogba who was clean through on goal, or maybe he was dazzled by his florescent green boots as he looked down before taking a clumsy shot.
But the Londoners managed to equalise completely against the run of play from a corner. Malouda floated in a high ball. which was met by Ivanovic's header who came out of nowhere to beat three red shirts in the air.
Both teams came out of the break with a renewed fervour and hunger for the semi-final place at stake.
A moment of horror struck at the Anfield faithful's hearts as Drogba got the ball wide open on goal and beat Reina with a low drive only for Carragher to clear the ball off the line.
The game really started to heat up as Liverpool were put under pressure for the first time and Terry picked up a yellow card in the 58th minute after jumping into Reina with no chance of winning the ball.
But the horror became a reality when Reina was floored again moments later after Ivanovic found another a gaping hole in Liverpool's defensive concentration and leaped over Gerrard to convert Lampard's corner.
The home side's early composure was blown away in the 66th minute when Drogba (who changed his garish green boots for the second half) scored an easy drive from a Malouda pass.
Chelsea retired to their half as a frustrated Aurelio picked up a yellow card and was substituted for Andrea Dossena.
Rafa tried to launch a ten minute assault by replacing Lucas with Babel, but Guus Hiddink responded by sending Nicolas Anelka in for Drogba.
Xavi Alonso drew a gasp from the Kop in the 90th minute with a long shot which was just tipped over by Cech and the game ended Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 3
During the post-match press conference Rafa said the main focus must now be on beating Blackburn on Saturday.
He said: "We scored first goal and were doing well, but after we lost control.
"It was difficult to stop them because they have five or six players who are good in the air.
"But we have to talk about next game, concentrate on Blackburn - this is important.
"Then we can be ready to think about Tuesday.
"The second game will be dificult, we have to score three goals, but still we have 90 minutes.
"Our priority is now Blackburn and afterwards see how we can approach Chelsea. We will have Mascherano available too."
Guss Hiddink said: "Its always a hard job to play Liverpool.
"But we are very happy with the result, it was unexpected but well deserved.
"Our team always reacts, we know we can score, the confidence is with the team.
"After the equaliser we felt we could do more and went for the second goal.
"Ivanovic is a very determined guy, he was signed by Chelsea and not playing frequently. But he keeps training with very good mentality.
"Not playing in his best position, but he did well at right back. Very determined player. Good to see this mentality."
Ralph68, Ormskirk around 3 years, 1 month ago