Everything which could go wrong did, until Harry Kewell was injured.
Djini Traore endured a nightmare start, conceding possession and then a free kick which allowed Maldini to score in his seventh final.
Then Kewell, a surprising choice, pulled a muscle and limped out of his second showpiece of the season.
Whether this was a blow or a blessing was debatable. The choice of Vladimir Smicer ahead of the overlooked anchorman, however, ensured the only immediate change was to Liverpool's detriment.
Not because of Smicer who gave the performance of a player who should be signing a new deal rather than waving goodbye, rather Liverpool's defence remained exposed.
The Reds pushed for an equaliser as if eight minutes remained, not 89. And they were duly punished.
With no riot gear to protect them the defence was left bruised by the combined force of Kaka, Crespo and Shevchenko.
Three-nil could have been five but for Luis Garcia's goal line clearance and a generous offside flag when Gerrard's tackle sent Shevchenko clean through.
