TO NEUTRAL fans who watched the Liverpool-Chelsea match on Wednesday night it was a classic; producing the same number of goals as all the previous Champions League clashes in the past four years at Anfield put together.

As for Chelsea fans, they will be enjoying a happy Easter weekend as they look forward to next Tuesday's return leg at Stamford Bridge, with their side almost guaranteed progress to the semi-finals. Before the game, many would have been happy to leave Anfield with a draw.

But to Liverpool fans, it must have been heart-breaking to watch their team concede three goals to a side they have beaten both at home and away in the Premier League this season.

And the blame must fall squarely on manager Rafael Benitez, especially his penchant for zonal marking.

That system allowed Chelsea's second-choice right back Branislav Ivanovic could get past a string of defenders - twice - and head in off set-pieces.

All Ivanovic needed to do was run around the penalty area like a man gone mad, and he found plenty of space.

Also baffling - Liverpool's decision to not have any defenders marking the near and far posts for corner kicks.

Had defenders been there, both of Ivanovic's goals would have been stopped.

Such basic mistakes should never be made at the highest level, the top tier of European club competition.

Of course, there were other factors for Liverpool's stunning 1-3 defeat.

Steven Gerrard being shackled by Michael Essien, the suspension of key holding midfielder Javier Mascherano as well meant Chelsea controlled the middle of the park.

Liverpool now have less than a week to prepare for the return leg, and face a mountain to climb if they want to progress.

They need at least a 3-0 win to progress. But at the fortress that is the Bridge?

Common sense says no, but the heart says never rule the Reds out especially after Istanbul 2005 and the FA Cup final in 2006.