Mohamed Salah delivers a flood of tears for Liverpool and Egypt supporters

It provided a sour note to one of the great debut campaigns. One that had delivered 44 strikes in 51 appearances before this doomed 52nd run-out.

From the moment the 25-year-old’s shoulder was driven into the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex turf, whether malicious or not, hopes of European glory were doomed to failure. A defeat, eventually by three goals to one, was inevitable as Real Madrid were gifted an open goal in their quest to land a third-successive continental crown and record-extending 13th overall.

At the same time, 96 million Egyptians united in panic and anger. Salah carried the hopes of a football-obsessed nation into a first World Cup since 1990.

Not even the legendary Mohamed Aboutrika ever matched Salah’s nerveless last-minute penalty against Congo in October that secured hallowed passage to Russia.

Initial, unverified reports of a suspected dislocation came with a six-to-eight week spell of convalescence. This was later softened by the Egyptian Football Association’s assertion that the injury was just to the shoulder joint, following conversations with the Reds’ medical staff.

Egypt’s World Cup opener against Uruguay is just 18 days away. Either way, only a medical miracle will see him run-out at Ekaterinburg Arena.

Yet alone the Group A-tests to come against hosts Russia on June 19 and Arab neighbours Saudi Arabia on June 25.

Such an inviting set of fixtures sparked real hope of deep progression. Those aspirations can be shelved now, if the prognosis holds true.

But the ramifications of this collision with Ramos should be felt by all football lovers. Not just those of an Egypt or Liverpool persuasion.

Salah seemed poised to raid the citadel built up around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This pair have held an iron grip on the Ballon d’Or for the last decade, rewriting the norms of the game with campaign after campaign featuring 40-goal+ hauls.

A curly-haired usurper had arisen in electrifying fashion during 2017/18. Each inspired strike making the £34 million (Dh171.1m) handed to Roma last June seem like a theft of the century.

Regularly plundering goals of outstanding quality and invention. Putting sides of Manchester City and his former employers from the Eternal City’s quality to the sword with impunity during this enlivening run to Eastern Europe.

This prowess replicated on the global stage would have cemented legendary status, regardless of any sane football lover’s affiliation.

Now, this dream of glory to last a lifetime has gone.

Ramos’ intentions are sure to be debated in the days, weeks and months to come.

Their collision had seemed benign on first viewing. Yet the crossing of arms and forceful fall to the floor driven by the Spain centre-back appeared unnatural at best, malevolent at worst.

Salt was thrown on open wounds as the Madrid skipper showed little remorse and then went on a personal mission to get Senegal forward Sadio Mane disciplined with a succession of theatrical dives.

The impact this intervention had on proceedings cannot be overstated. With Salah on the pitch, Liverpool had fired in nine attempts on goal before his pained removal on 30 minutes.

This figure was not added to in the remaining minutes of the goalless first half.

Madrid had appeared unsettled and unnerved with the ‘Egyptian King’ ruling proceedings.

He had been involved in a flowing third-minute move with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brazil forward Roberto Firmino.

A sensational pass also almost played Mane into space, only for France centre-back Raphael Varane to diligently step across.

Given the full 90 minutes to wreak havoc, he would have been sure to breach a Madrid backline that had creaked previously against Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Sadly, this is now all just conjecture. Egypt fans will pray to avoid the same, hollow feeling.