Single causes are over-rated, but when Jurgen Klopp replaced Roberto Firmino with Divock Origi 57 minutes into this final he laid the ground for the goal that secured Liverpool’s sixth European title. It was decisive, unforgiving management, and cost a star his place on the field for a back-up player with a history of derring-do in big European games.

Underperforming big name - out. Wild card - in. Nor was Georgi Wijnaldum, who scored twice in the 4-0 miracle win against Barcelona, immune. He too gave way early, for James Milner. This was not Liverpool at their best, but Klopp has achieved such a high level of control over these players that he never lost sight of what they needed to prevail. After six defeats in finals, Klopp made a mockery of that unflattering record, delivering a Liverpool side who amassed 97 points in the Premier League to a even higher place.

In the opposing corner, Mauricio Pochettino watched a gamble go pop. He saw Harry Kane toil after 53 days out and Dele Alli perform abysmally. Spurs had the look of a team who did well to progress this far but could go no further. Liverpool on the other hand bore the marks of a side who had pushed Manchester City to the limit in the Premier League after a year and a half of impressive rebuilding. A top-class goalkeeper - Alisson Becker - and probably the world’s best centre-back, Virgil van Dijk, kept Liverpool safe when Spurs were chasing the game. For Liverpool, both those big bets came in. But their real catch - their real smart move - was Klopp, who first understood, and then came to reflect, the unique emotional make-up of the club.