There was a moment just after Liverpool conceded their second goal of the night at the hands of Takumi Minamino where the camera cut to each side's respective managers situated on the sideline at Anfield.
On the right, Jesse Marsch was overjoyed. His team fought back from a 3-0 half-time deficit and would soon draw level.
Jurgen Klopp stood still on the left. The man would not be human if internally he was not concerned at the looming prospect of a collapse at home but outwardly, he wore a broad smile. It was as if even he could not help but be entertained by the thrilling drama the Champions League continues to deliver.
HAALAND WITH HIS FIRST TOUCH!
The 19-year-old makes it 3-3 at Anfield!
Salzburg limbs everywhere! ?#LIVFCS #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/xChjVEjzBk
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 2, 2019
Something is happening on the European stage. It is not that things are becoming necessarily more competitive, the average margin of victory over the past two nights is still higher than it was in the Premier League last weekend, but shocks feel closer. Entertainment seems guaranteed.
Whether it be a lingering hangover from last season's theatre of terrific knockout ties or an expected increase in the quality of football thanks to the rising flow of finances, tonight once again showed this competition is moving towards another sphere.
Bear in mind, Wednesday's proceedings followed the sheer pandemonium that unfolded last night. Bayern Munich rampant against Spurs while Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw against Club Brugge. Even the one-sided games are alluring, while the close contests have been compelling.
While Liverpool flirted with disaster in Anfield, Barcelona were busy launching a comeback of their own against Inter Milan. It took two late Luis Suarez goals to get the job done but the drama was obvious. Meanwhile, Ajax were delighting as they do and Chelsea played their part as they fought to a 2-1 win over Lille.
Messi & Suarez combine.
DEVASTATING! ?#BarcaInter #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/AXkma9K6Wh
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 2, 2019
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 2, 2019
Wonderful from Willian!
Chelsea lead in Lille!#UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/aHfr68tbQd
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 2, 2019
The Champions League is getting better. Suarez and Salzburg, thrillers and treats, magic and Messi.
How can you not love Messi and you watch football
— Uche Jombo Rodriguez (@uchejombo) October 2, 2019
Blimey. Liverpool have gone from 3 nil up to 3-3. Games gone mad.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) October 2, 2019
I take it all back. This Champions League group stage currently set up to be the best since the 1990s.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 2, 2019
Today has been a feast of football.. Proper football.
— CJ (@CjSonOfAnarchy) October 2, 2019
What a time to be alive.
