A match billed as a clash of two diametric footballing ideologies, where purist Marcelo Bielsa pitted his unwavering belief in front-foot football against the high priest of pragmatism Jose Mourinho, did not disappoint.
All things considered here José looks highly likely to deliver the first actual silverware any of us have seen since before twitter had ever head of Spursy; though if anyone can bear to watch it happen remains to be seen.
The old football adage goes that 2-0 is a dangerous lead. As against Crystal Palace two weeks ago, Spurs were about to prove 1-0 is far worse.
Spurs are now just two victories from their first silverware in 13 long seasons. Having won this competition a record four times already as a manager, Mourinho fully intends to deliver.
Common wisdom dictates that league winning teams are identifiable by their reaction to defeat. By that barometer, Spurs are lacking.
It was a harsh lesson for Spurs about the realities of what is required in chasing down a title.
It’s safe to say that not many gave Tottenham a sniff of Champions League Football, let alone the title.
Spurs cannot afford to dwell on their disappointment. Mourinho’s team now travel to Anfield for the stiffest examination yet of their title credentials.