AC Milan made three changes to the side that beat Lazio on Sunday as Simon Kjaer, Ismael Bennacer and Alexis Saelemakers came in for Alessio Romagnoli, Sandro Tonali and Alessandro Florenzi.
Liverpool suddenly had an air of purpose.
Analysis: AC Milan AC Milan were set up by Carlo Ancelotti into a four-diamond-two formation in which Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, and Kaká formed their diamond midfield.
They couldn't have anticipated a more difficult start; they went behind in the first minute, when Paolo Maldini volleyed in from Andrea Pirlo's free-kick.
Intelligent spells of possession, coupled with more aggressive pressing, prevented Liverpool from taking the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti had masterminded the ultimate Champions League final victory within 45 minutes, with his side dismantling their English opponents with an unrivalled arrogance.