This rivalry began during the 2005 Champions League semi-final. Jose's Chelsea took on Rafa's Liverpool who won the tie thanks to a disputed Luis Garcia goal at Anfield and then went on to win the tournament. This meant Rafa equalled Jose's record of winning the UEFA Cup and then the Champions League in successive seasons.

Jose's bitterness at the disputed goal has led to the two men clashing several times. The self-styled 'Special One's' mind games and outbursts frequently rile the studious and reserved Spaniard. Liverpool's victory in last season's Champions League semi-final will only have intensified the rivalry.