Liverpool's display against Manchester City would have worried the other three semi-finalists. OK, Jurgen Klopp's men rode their luck at times, recipients of a favourable decision here and a favourable decision there, but they were deserved winners across the two legs.
That opening 31 minutes at Anfield, when they tore through England’s champions-elect, underlined how no team, not even current holders Real Madrid, will look forward to crossing paths with a side so full of vim and verve.
The season may be in its final few throes, but Liverpool look fresh, buoyed by a remarkable run in the Champions League and imbued by the thought of a sixth European Cup hauled within touching distance. Those banners at Anfield could need updating.
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The reasons on the pitch are obvious: in Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, Liverpool have a formidable front three, capable of carving apart at will any side. Salah, in particular, has been a revelation upon his return to England.
Yet they have grown stronger at the back, too, with Virgil van Dijk's January arrival bringing a much-needed presence to the defence. Goalkeeper Loris Karius has clearly benefitted.
In all, Liverpool have been defeated only once in 15 matches. They are peaking at exactly the right time.
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Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates with his teammates after scoring their second goal. Nigel Roddis / EPA -
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring his team's opening goal. Paul Ellis / AFP -
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah dribbles around Manchester City goalkepper Ederson to score his side's first goal. Nigel Roddis / EPA -
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero shows his disappointment. Anthony Devlin / AFP -
A dejected Pep Guardiola is seen in the stands after he had been sent off the pitch. Nigel Roddis / EPA -
Pep Guardiola gestures as he walks with his players towards the tunnel at half time. Anthony Devlin / AFP -
Liverpool's Roberto Firmino in action with Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte. Andrew Yates / Reuters -
Liverpool's Roberto Firmino of Liverpool battles for posession with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva. Shaun Botterill / Getty Images -
Manchester City's Leroy Sane is tackled by Liverpool's Dejan Lovren. Andrew Yates / Reuters -
Manchester City's Raheem Sterling is put under pressure by Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum. Jason Cairnduff / Reuters
It should be said that Roma carry a threat, especially following that incredible comeback against Barcelona. Yet they should be outdone by a pacey and press-hungry Liverpool.
That leaves either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final in Kiev: given the way they are playing, Liverpool will not fear whomever they meet in the showpiece.
In contrast, their opponents will be wary of them: keeping at bay Klopp’s rampaging Reds is proving no small task. Another European crown, however unlikely it once seemed this season, now feels wholly attainable.
