ONE man’s loss is another man’s gain.

Rodolfo Borrell cut a forlorn figure in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the NextGen Series this week.

The Spaniard found the Reds’ exit from the Champions League style competition tough to take having seen them dominate for long periods and spurn a succession of chances.

In contrast Spurs coach Tim Sherwood was celebrating his side’s good fortune.

Fast forward 24 hours and the emotions were very different. After it emerged that Spurs had fielded an ineligible player, they withdrew and Liverpool were reinstated.

Borrell now faces the prospect of a dream showdown with Barcelona. The Catalans entertain Ajax on Thursday and the winners will travel to Merseyside for a one-legged semi-final.

Borrell spent 13 years in the youth set-up at Barca, helping develop the likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas.

The ground-breaking NextGen Series has been good to Liverpool this season. It brought to their attention the exciting talents of midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira, who completed his move from Sporting Lisbon this week.

Just when Borrell thought the adventure was over, his youngsters have been handed a second chance. Now they must grasp it.