What they said.

STEVEN GERRARD:"It's the complete opposite (to the final in Istanbul). It's difficult to take but that's football.

"You've got to take it on the chin, move on and try to pick yourself up but at the moment it's heartbreaking.

"I thought we started well, we were in control just how we like to be but when you do that you've got to score. They got the first goal, with a bit of luck, but it was a big lift for them. We gave everything but it wasn't to be tonight."

RAFAEL BENITEZ:"The first half we played really well but conceded a goal, a deflection, through bad luck. Then we were pushing and pushing and you leave a space and they have quality and it was the difference.

"We were trying to keep the ball and press high but you need to take your chances."

PAOLO MALDINI:"The fifth is still beautiful. This would be a great end to my career but I want to play next season and then it would be very beautiful . . . to reach this point again next year."