At least Steven Gerrard was back against the Milanese, though his renowned susceptibility to injury - coupled with the minor thigh strain which has wrecked his pre-season preparations - had already prompted Houllier to bring forward the Senegalese international Siaf Diao's £4.2 million transfer from Sedan.
The imposing central midfielder, an integral and inspirational figure during the west Africans' run to the World Cup quarter-finals, will now arrive this week as opposed to in December to pep up midfield options.
That smacks of common sense, but in the sweltering heat - the temperature was approaching 34 degrees at kick-off - the sight of Gerrard's vicious free-kick, albeit aimed rather optimistically towards Milan Baros at the far post, being sliced expertly if ridiculously into his own net by Dario Simic will have warmed Liverpool hearts.
That brought Houllier side's a deserved lead in their Real Madrid Centenary tournament game at the Bernabeu, with their opponents happier to go through the motions than seek parity.
In truth, the advantage should have come earlier - early on, the outstanding Nicky Barmby's cleverly flighted cross was headed wide by Emile Heskey, bursting ahead of Simic. Dida then had to react smartly to turn Baros's low shot from Barmby's cross aside, while Sami Hyypia and Heskey both wasted free headers in front of goal from the former Everton midfielder's free-kicks.
Barmby is effectively available for transfer and this sprightly display will have encouraged potential buyers.
Milan, beaten 2-1 by Bayern Munich on Saturday, briefly shrugged themselves into life, but Andrei Shevchenko's low cross was spooned horribly over the bar from point-blank range by Jon Dahl Tomasson, beginning already to wear the haunted look he carried throughout his spell at Newcastle.
As if to exacerbate his misery, Liverpool promptly doubled their lead as Gerrard's cross caught Simic exposed yet again with Baros, leaner than last term and the brightest spark in Liverpool's summer excursions, leaping to head powerfully beyond Dida.
Houllier was delighted with the performance of Baros, who caused Paolo Maldini problems all evening. "He is a different player from last season, he's lost a bit of weight and his fitness is good. He is going to be a good striker," he said.
LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Kirkland; Babbel, Henchoz, Hyypia, Traore; Barmby, Gerrard, Biscan, Smicer; Heskey, Baros.
AC MILAN (4-4-2): Dida; Simic, Kaladze, Domoraud, Maldini; Contra, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Tomasson, Shevchenko.
Referee: C Mejia Davila
Guardian Service
