Liverpool 4 (Can 11', Salah 18', Can 21', Firmino 63') - 2 (Uth 28'), Wagner 79') Hoffenheim

“That’s football,” Jurgen Klopp turned and screamed as Liverpool scored third of their goals in knocking out Hoffenheim to reach the group stages of the Champions League. And that release was felt throughout the stadium.

Even then, on the way to an entertaining 6-3 aggregate victory in this play-off, there were still a few nervous moments and, combined with the goals and Liverpool’s outstanding attacking play, Wednesday night summed up where they are at right now. But they are in the draw for the Champions League, which is made today.

They are back where they believe they belong and it is set to be a white-knuckle ride of a European adventure. Goals will be scored; goals will also be conceded.

Europe will fear Liverpool’s attacking prowess – their outrageously rapid front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and that is even without factoring in Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana or Daniel Sturridge – but they will relish coming up against a defence which looks maddeningly callow and vulnerable.

For all the talk of Coutinho and his desire to leave for Barcelona, how Liverpool cry out for a commanding centre-half. They have to make another play for Virgil Van Dijk, or a player of his ilk, while another they bought from Southampton, Dejan Lovren, had what can be described as an iffy evening at best.