Liverpool gave one of Europe's finest sides an examination they will not forget in a hurry, but know that their Champions League future hangs by a thread.
Two magnificent goals from Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia put Liverpool in command during in a first half in which they ran Juve ragged with a ferocious, high-tempo performance.
Rarely have the Italian giants been subjected to such a hounding. In fact, they had conceded only two goals in the tournament before this emotional quarter-final first leg showdown at Anfield.
Before the game the thoughts were all about the Heysel disaster 20 years ago when these two sides last met in competitive action.
By half-time Anfield was relishing an outstanding, if unexpected, performance from their heroes.
But Juventus were never likely to go down without a fight and their second half display of control, skill, constant movement and possession gave Liverpool an insight into what they will face in next week's return in Turin.
Fabio Cannavaro scored a deserved goal and somehow Liverpool clung on to their lead.
Whether they can do the same in Turin for the return remains unlikely on this evidence.
Rafael Benitez again opted not to risk Jerzy Dudek's hamstring injury and gave youngster Scott Carson his European debut in goal, Sami Hyypia returning to defence while the Liverpool manager opted for a two-man strike force with French Under-21 star Anthony Le Tallec also in the starting line-up alongside Milan Baros.
Liverpool's response to confronting the star-studded Italians, who had veteran playmaker Pavel Nedved back following a head injury, was to go for the throat from the start.
Gerrard was in the thick of it. One thunderous tackle by the Liverpool skipper early on stunned Emerson and set the standard.
And from Liverpool's second corner, they stole into the lead.
Gerrard's ball soared in from the right, Luis Garcia flicked it on and Hyypia arrived on the far post to volley superbly inside the post leaving Gianluigi Buffon, arguably the world's best 'keeper, utterly stranded.
The ease with which the Finnish star struck his shot, and its accuracy, is not what is usually expected from a defender, and he sat on the pitch a little bemused with his arms outstretched to celebrate his second goal of the season.
Liverpool had surprised the Italians with their pace and strength in these opening stages, but still the Serie A giants looked awesome in possession.
But amazingly Liverpool went two ahead on 25 minutes, Anfield now in near-hysteria.
Igor Biscan played the ball down the right, Le Tallec flicked it on and Luis Garcia surged on to the ball 25 yards out and hit a sensational dipping volley over the despairing arms of Buffon.
It was the new Spanish international's 10th goal of the season and fourth in Europe, underlining Benitez's view that he has become critical to Liverpool's balance in attack.
Juve almost hit straight back from the restart when Nedved set up Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a 20-yard shot that cannoned back off Carson's right-hand post. The Italians were straight back at Liverpool, Alessandro Del Piero being played in only for Carson to make an outstanding save to his left.
Del Piero then had a header ruled out for offside, although TV replays showed it should have counted. Nothing, clearly, could be taken for granted at this stage.
The goal the Italians had been threatening arrived on 63 minutes when Cannavaro appeared at the far post to meet a Zambrotta cross and head powerfully down and inside Carson's left-hand post with the young 'keeper looking at fault.
Young keeper Carson escaped censure afterwards when Benitez said: "I do not blame the keeper. We were not ready for the corner and we reacted too late.
"The ball bounced right in front of the 'keeper and it was very difficult for him. He was in a good position but it was the bounce that deceived him."
It might have drawn a snigger or possibly even a snort of indignation but is it really so ludicrous to suggest Steve Harper deserves an England call-up?
I don't think so....
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