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Last weekend saw the fifth round of the FA Cup take place and with so many Premiership sides knocked out already then it was a real chance for the 'lesser' teams to make their mark.
As Manchester United were playing title rivals Arsenal it was also guaranteed that one of the big four would be eliminated so this was a real opportunity to dream of Wembley.
However, no one expected that a cup shock would take place at Anfield where Liverpool were playing host to Championship side Barnsley who have the worst away record in their division.
When Kuyt put the Reds ahead in the first half it looked like Benitez's decision to not field his first team was the correct one. The rest of the half was a routine pattern of Liverpool attacking and Barnsley defending but the Yorkshire team managed to survive until half time just one goal down.
As the second half wore on Barnsley gained in confidence and spirit and eventually got their reward when Stephen Foster headed home Devaney's cross and the scores were level. It was then left to on-loan keeper Luke Steel, who had only signed on Thursday, to earn his pay when he provided his team with a string of top class saves to keep the Liverpool attackers at bay. By this time Gerrard and Kewell were on and a desperate edge surfaced amongst the crowd.
With time running out the game was deep into added time when Howard was pulled back by Hypia in the penalty box but the referee unbelievably waved play on. Howard, though, was alert and when the ball dropped at his feet again he beat Alsonso, dropped his shoulders and drove a left foot strike past the helpless Itandje. Cue wild celebrations, both on and off the pitch, as 6,000 travelling fans went delirious.
There was no time for a Liverpool recovery and on the final whistle boos rang out around Liverpool and as a result manager Benitez may be out of a job soon. This is not the first time he has underestimated lower opposition and patience amongst the American owners, let alone the fans, must be running thin to say the least.
Earlier on Saturday, Bristol Rovers caused a minor shock by beating Southampton 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium on a bumpy pitch and no team will want to play them under these conditions as Rovers are finding a way to take advantage of this.
The afternoon games saw wins for Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff which left the day clear for the glamour tie of the round when Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford. As soon as the team sheets were sent out it was obvious to all that both managers had one eye on this week's Champions League games - no Ronaldo, Tevez or Giggs for United whilst Arsenal's top scorer Adebayor was on the bench.
However, United did not play like they were thinking of Wednesday and tore into the London side who were so much off the pace it was on the verge of embarrassing. It did not take long for the impressive Rooney to make his mark and his opening header on 16 minutes paved the way for a one-sided first half that meant the league leaders went for their half time team talk 3-0 down.
The second half was not much better with Fletcher adding to the scoreline whilst Eboue was sent off for reckless and dangerous play. The 4-0 score will be a difficult one for Wenger to swallow and how their performances develop in the league will be an interesting aspect to the closing quarter of the season.
Sunday saw Portsmouth and Middlesbrough travel to Championship sides and it was Pompey who secured a last minute winner whilst the Tyne-siders must wait for a replay to beat off Sheffield United.
It has been a long time since the door was so open for a lower division side to make it to the final but this year has proved the romance of the Cup is still alive ... just don't expect Rafael Benitez to agree.
