Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points

#4 Vidal vs Henderson in the midfield battle

Arturo Vidal was one of few Barcelona players who didn't appear nervy or overwhelmed by the occasion

Arturo Vidal was comfortably Barcelona's best player, other than Messi. His passing was poor but that comes with the territory when you're as risky as him in possession. Nonetheless, the defensive side of his game and tenacity with which he played saw him outshine the rest in a nervy display duly punished by a fearsome Liverpool side.

He won a game-high seven tackles, nine of 13 duels contested, two interceptions and a block too. Constantly frustrating the hosts, imposing his presence out of possession and forcing them into mistakes, it was a shame none of his teammates could really follow the Chilean's example off-the-ball.

He won a number of fouls in dangerous areas when Mane and Origi were allowed to break in attack, throwing himself in the way of shots and breaking up play where possible.

His disappointment at being replaced was also telling: in the first leg, Sergio Busquets should have been replaced. This time, it was again him or a more creative-minded Ivan Rakitic who should have been relinquished, as Valverde needed the 31-year-old's experience and guile to set the tone - even with the hosts continuing to probe for more goals. You could sense the nerves and he was one of very few not overwhelmed by the occasion, yet he found himself on the losing side and misses a potential first Champions League triumph in his career.

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As for Henderson, he has another chance later this month. With criticism aplenty of inconsistent displays, whether he plays too safe or just isn't reliable enough and makes needless mistakes, these last few months have been a joy to behold for the 28-year-old. An important midfield spearhead for Liverpool, that's a testament to his character and will to win - the desire to be that presence they long for in midfield.

It was fitting that Steven Gerrard, the man he replaced as club captain, was in the stands to watch his beloved Liverpool as they fought back heroically against all the odds. Fabinho did well too, but Henderson led by example and was better.

Playing with a knee injury for over an hour, he refused to complain and instead set the tone with his tenacity and relentless pressing which forced Barca into even more mistakes, gifting the hosts more welcome encouragement.

His passing, just like Vidal, wasn't the best - but he was adventurous and looked to get teammates involved. It was his marauding dribble which created the first goal moments after Alba's mistake and although he should have done better to score himself there, he delivered another impressive defensive shift on a memorable Anfield night. Four tackles, one clearance and five of 10 duels won, it was a real captain's display from someone who doesn't get the credit he deserves when it's warranted.