Valencia 0 Liverpool 1
Jari Litmanen scored a cracking goal on a triumphant return to the Dutch capital.
The Finnish star, still a massive folk hero in Amsterdam following his glorious European Cup-winning stint with Ajax, struck with a perfect first-time volley six minutes from time.
It clinched a fortunate victory for Gerard Houllier's triple cup winners after a generally drab performance at the impressive Amsterdam Arena.
Litmanen's glorious strike came after Liverpool were hit by yet another injury blow, Emile Heskey limping off early on with a back injury, joining add Robbie Fowler and Sander Westerveld on a lengthening sick list.
Valencia had hit the woodwork twice and looked the better side, but Liverpool made it four build-up victories on the trot as Litmanen claimed the man-of-the-match award.