Liverpool is well armed to ban Chelsea's painful memories as Jurgen Klopp seizes the glory of the Premier League – James Pearce

It was a mark of the road traveled by Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp at the helm.

One foot was firmly placed in the semifinals of the Champions League with a minimum of fuss.

Tuesday night, there was little fanfare at Anfield, just warm applause for a well-done professional job against FC Porto.

It was not one of those thrilling European nights we'll be talking about for years.

Considering it was only the second time Anfield had held a Champions League quarter-final over the past decade, it was decidedly unobtrusive.

The identity of the opposition and the start of the burst that allowed the striker to take a quick lead of 2-0 certainly contributed to that.

Liverpool did exactly what was expected of them by outclbading the champions of Portugal and taking control of the game.

Even before the final whistle, spirits were already heading for the next hurdle in this exciting quest for a dream double.

It was perfectly understandable. Klopp's players find themselves in a position where a quarterfinal of the Champions League is not even their biggest game of the week.

If this relative cruise in Europe provided a brief respite from the drama of the Premier League race, we returned to the national affairs automaton at Anfield on Sunday.

The old enemies of Chelsea are waiting. This is an appointment that rekindles painful memories of April 2014 when Steven Gerrard slipped, as Demba Ba jumped on his head and the Londoners' door crashed.

Five years later, it's a very different Liverpool. Only Simon Mignolet remains at the XI club who launched this contest.

If the Reds stay on course, they have to do what they have not done in seven years: beat Chelsea at home.

The race has been barren since Kenny Dalglish's team won the match 4-1 in May 2012 – three days after losing to them in the FA Cup final.

Since then, Chelsea has visited Anfield eight times in all competitions, winning three wins and five draws.

The sight of Eden Hazard, who won the League Cup tie at Anfield in September, offered a dazzling double against West Ham earlier this week recalled the threat they represent.

The first season at the helm of Maurizio Sarri has been rough, but they have already reached a final, are third in the Premier League standings and appear in the last eight days of the Europa League.

These continental commitments should play in the hands of Liverpool. Klopp men have the luxury of an extra two days rest. Chelsea will be in action in Slavia Prague on Thursday night.

Five games stand between the immortality of the Reds and that of Anfield as they manage to put an end to the club's 29-year wait for the high-flying crown.

Look after their business and they will have 97 points. Manchester City could still reap 98 – there has never been a similar title race.

But it is Liverpool that will enter the weekend with the great spring ahead.

They gained momentum after a sixth straight win, and it came to a close when Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Gini Wijnaldum all got up.

The return of midfielder Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita gave them a new dimension, while Dejan Lovren had 90 minutes under his belt and Roberto Firmino took the lead.

The season has been grueling, but Liverpool looks strong with many options for Klopp.

In contrast, City's morale was affected by a quarter-final defeat to Tottenham. The intensity of this match makes the clash between Liverpool and Porto look like a walk in the park.

The battle will resume at 14:05 on Sunday as City faces the Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Liverpool v Chelsea follows him.

The power of Anfield was not required Tuesday night. Sarri's men will not find the place so welcoming on Sundays.