After an incredible streak of 11 consecutive wins in the English Premier League, Liverpool's run ended at exactly the wrong time, with Brendan Rodgers' side standing on the verge of a 19th title success had they won at Anfield against Chelsea on Sunday.
A win against Jose Mourinho's side would have put Chelsea out of title contention but they are still in with a shout, though odds are surely against them.
Chelsea's victory might have come too late for Mourinho's side to win the Premier League title, but it flung the door wide open for Manchester City who took full advantage with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.
In the latest twist of a fascinating Premier League season, under-strength Chelsea cut the gap at the top to two points with two games remaining, although City are only three points behind with a game in hand and healthier goal difference.
Should Liverpool and City both win their remaining games, City would almost certainly grab the title on goal difference just as they did two seasons ago, although if both drop points Chelsea can still sneak through.
Winning the title was never going to be simple for Liverpool and winning 14 games in a row in the same season would have been unprecedented but deep down the heart everyone knew their bubble will burst in last few matches. Reds must now regroup ahead of their final two fixtures and and give themselves a chance and then wait for Man City to drop points.
Liverpool can take maximum points from the games at Crystal Palace and at home to Newcastle United. Should Liverpool win both of those and City slip up, the title will return to Anfield after a long wait of 24 years. City travel to Everton next Saturday evening, with Liverpool hoping their Merseyside rivals can do them a major favour.
A win for Pellegrini's men their - and a defeat for the Reds at Crystal Palace - would take them level on points, before the midweek visit of struggling Aston Villa.
Chelsea host struggling Norwich next weekend, so that will be easy three points for Chelsea. Two wins would leave City likely to be in need of just a point in the final home game of the season - at home to West Ham United.
Reds on the other hand will be praying rivals Everton can continue their fine record against City and secure all three points at Goodison and do them a big favour. A win for Roberto Martinez' side and all three points for Liverpool at Palace will mean the gap will be to 6 points and that will surely give Liverpool the title.
Should City win at Goodison Park - and against Villa, the two sides would go into the final day neck-and-neck, with goal difference possibly deciding the destination of the title. So it will be safe to say that only a miracle can hand Chelsea the title now as they want Liverpool and Man City both to lose at least one more match out of the remaining two and three matches respectively.
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