It was tense, unbearable even, for 44 excruciating minutes. Then, just as they've done in so many big games this season, Liverpool backed a Gigi and their bet paid dividends.
Georginio Wijnaldum is the go to man for pressure situations, and never has he delivered bigger stakes than he did on the stroke of half time, when his goal fulfilled a Champions' League dream for Jurgen Klopp.
It really was as simple as that.
With Arsenal and Manchester City seemingly home and hosed by half time in their respective games, the pressure at Anfield was palpable, almost physical, as the harrowing prospect of another failure against a defensive side loomed large.
Then Wijnaldium - fittingly for someone nick-named Gigi - galloped onto a lovely ball from Roberto Firmino, and where there was no space before, suddenly the hallowed turf opened up. As the Kop held its breath, the Dutchman unleashed a shot tinged with fury...and the top four was guaranteed.
That fury had its roots in frustration at the way Middlesbrough came with the same game-plan so many other teams have adopted at Anfield this season - blanket defence, as though the Reds are Barcelona.
That is why the tension mounted, that is why fear was etched on the faces of the Anfield faithful, because against Palace, Bournemouth and Southampton, Liverpool simply didn't have an answer in their last three home games.
As answers go, it was emphatic. Game. Over. Philippe Coutinho made sure six minutes after the break with a divine free kick from precisely 27 yards, but Boro were broken in that fateful moment seconds before the half time whistle.
And yet, it could have been so different. Before then, Klopp's team had chances, but spurned 13 of them. Then, predictably, the visitors had one moment - and Dejan Lovren definitely pulled back Patrick Bamford in the box.
It could have - perhaps should have - been a penalty and a red card. Instead, referee Martin Atkinson waved play on, and the Champions' League was delivered, as was Liverpool's fifth highest Premier League points total in the 25 years of the competition.
Adam Lallana added a third as the home side enjoyed the second half and heralded what is surely the dawn of a new era under Klopp, but it was all down to Gigi, as he ensured his side romped home.