Rafa’s revival stuck in starting blocks

AN old acquaintance was in attendance to see Rafa’s revival stall, again.

A curious cocktail of sorrow and relief must have formed in Xabi Alonso’s stomach as he witnessed Liverpool’s second half capitulation.

Relief that, since his summer move to Real Madrid, defeats like this do not professionally affect him and sorrow that his former club, for which he has much affection, have become so eminently beatable.