But one shouldn't forget the superb performance which preceded poor Jerzy's error. The team played with a superb spirit, one which was even more impressive considering that dynamo Gerrard was sitting this match out.
Igor Biscan played arguably one of his finest nights of football, tackling back, ruling the middle of the pitch, and sending several superbly weighted passes in behind the weak Leverkusen back four. Indeed, the consistent roaring of Igor, Igor, from across the ground filled the cold winter air with a sound that even he must have thought unlikely on such an occasion.
The Liverpool back four were, in the main, strong and contained the Bayer attacks, whilst Baros worked hard and chased every loose ball for much of the night. Scorers Luis Garcia, Dietmar Hamann and John Arne Riise all impressed too; indeed it was a melting pot of players which Rafa Benitez must have delighted in watching.
So it was rather anti-climactic when a tame shot from Berbatov bobbled, tripped and tumbled into Dudek's box, only for the Polish no. 1 to make a horribly untimely mistake, as it rebounded off his shoulder, and into the path of the oncoming Franca. His task was simple, and he dispatched the rebound with ease.
Their was then a strange blanket of disappointment that swept across Anfield, and smothered what should have been unprecedented satisfaction at a job well done. Whether Dudek is really the man to take the club forward seems at doubt now, but what should be certain is that this team did extremely well.
And with a stronger side available for the second leg, the Reds cannot lay sole blame at their keeper should they fail to progress into the Quarters. It was a disappointing end to a match which had shown such promise, but Red fans would do well to remember that this result is likely better than most hoped prior to 7.45pm yesterday.
Taking a lead and a stronger side to the Bay Arena for the return leg, the Reds should be able to build on this result, and that smothering disappointment will be long forgotten.