RAFA BENITEZ can win the Champions League but will have to mastermind another piece of tactical brilliance to overcome AC Milan.
Two years ago, Liverpool's victory was about an incredible comeback and will go down as probably the greatest European Cup final of all-time.
But this will almost certainly be another tight, nervous and dour final, rather like the FA Cup final. There is too much at stake, and too much to lose.
Milan will not want a repeat of two years ago and Benitez will want to shut down their danger men.
However, that is the area where the Spaniard comes into his own and is why I believe Liverpool are capable of winning the trophy.
You only have to look at AC Milan's semifinal win over Manchester United to see where the final will be won and lost.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson failed to shut down the Italian club in midfield and this is the key area.
AC Milan have outstanding midfielders in Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka.
They took United apart in the semi-final, not only outplaying them but also stopping the supply line to Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
That is Liverpool's first priority, to suffocate the game and stifle AC Milan's midfield and frustrate Kaka in particular as he is probably the best midfielder in the world.
Liverpool must stop Kaka from running the game but also stop Pirlo from exerting his authority as he is a superb passer and generally everything goes through him.
But while Ferguson tried to outplay AC Milan, Benitez will try to close the game down.
After Bolo Zenden in the semi-final or Harry Kewell in Istanbul, he is not afraid to surprise us and also take a risk if it works for the team.
I would like to see Steven Gerrard being given a free role, as he has the energy and movement to cover every blade of grass and sticking him on the right is a waste of his talent.
Javier Mascherano is another key figure. At just 22 he is an excellent holding player, his passing is good and he has the ability and discipline to shut down Kaka.
Xabi Alonso's passing will be crucial as Liverpool have to keep the ball better than they did in the semi-final, first leg at Chelsea.
AC Milan are an outstanding team who will keep the ball for long periods and that is when Liverpool will have to be disciplined, strong and focused.
Liverpool still have a weakness up front which is why Benitez will probably consider playing with one man up front.
If you roll all four of their strikers - Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, Robbie Fowler and Peter Crouch - into one you would have a top-class forward who has pace, works hard and scores goals. But AC Milan probably have a weakness in defence. They were vulnerable as Liverpool proved in 2005.
They are waiting to see if veteran Paolo Maldini is fit and Liverpool should hope he plays as it looks, at 38, as if his legs have gone.
AC Milan look more secure when Kakha Kaladze is in the heart of their defence.
I expect the game to go to extra time and penalties and with Liverpool's record in European Cup finals you have to fancy Benitez and his lucky charm to work again.