Getting to a Champions League final is by no means an easy feat. Only two teams in the continent accomplish the feat each season, with a trip to European football's showpiece occasion automatically becoming one of the biggest days in any club's history.
But yet, as Liverpool cruise towards a place in the decider in Paris next month, it all feels rather routine. That's how good Jurgen Klopp's side are.
Their semi-final first leg against Villarreal followed a predictable pattern. The visitors sat deep, inviting pressure from the home side and hoping to catch them out on the break.
In the opening 45 minutes, the first half of that plan worked well. Liverpool dominated the ball, but with a couple of exceptions, they found chances hard to come by. Unai Emery's men didn't threaten at the other end, although they certainly would have been pleased with their performance up to that point.
In saying that, there was always the feeling that a goal from Liverpool would completely change the game. So proved to be the case, with two quick-fire strikes after the interval handing them control of the tie.
The second strike was an absolute beauty.
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Anfield is 𝙍𝙊𝘾𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eEeVpYnzWx— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) April 27, 2022
Liverpool had a number of opportunities to extend their lead and they could yet regret not doing so. They look comfortable at 2-0, although things could change quickly in the second leg. Despite that, you would back them to get the job done in Spain and book their spot in the decider.
It would be the latest chapter in what has been a remarkable recent history for the Merseysiders.
Winning the first leg of a Champions League semi-final should never really just be another day at the office for any team, but that it the way it felt for this Liverpool side.
They always looked likely to win the game, and now sitting on the brink of a third Champions League final in five seasons, it can be easy to take for granted just how special this group are.
The opposition probably comes into that a little bit. Villarreal are a good side, although their name does not hold the weight of some of the European heavyweights, even if the La Liga club did knock out some of those along the way.
In truth, that doesn't really come into it. Outside of Manchester City, Liverpool are probably expected to beat any team in Europe fairly comfortably. That is a yardstick of how good they have become.
Jurgen Klopp has set remarkable standards at Anfield.
In seven seasons at Liverpool, the German has lost just a pair of two-legged European knockout ties. One was somewhat of a smash and grab against Atletico Madrid, while the other came against Real Madrid during the period last season when the squad was ravaged with injuries.
As they now hunt for an incredible four trophies this season, we could be witnessing history in the making. And yet, their brilliance can sometimes go under the radar.
As the banner that has recently been added to the Kop says: These are the days.
For Liverpool fans, it can be easy to take for granted just how dominant their team have become. A routine victory in a Champions League semi-final is a perfect example of such.
They certainly won't need reminding of their achievements if they can manage to life a seventh European Cup in a few weeks time.
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