Liverpool 0 – 3 Atalanta

A lot-changed Liverpool had been shocked by Serie A’s sixth-placed facet Atalanta at Anfield, because the Italians cruised to a 3-0 first-leg lead of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Jurgen Klopp’s facet had been indebted to their goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher within the first half for a string of excellent stops, together with one along with his face, however he may do nothing in regards to the onslaught that adopted.

Mario Pasalic had a wonderful alternative to stun The Kop within the third minute as he drew a beautiful, sprawling save from Kelleher, earlier than the floodgates opened within the thirty eighth minute.

Gianluca Scamacca peeled off Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk centrally, making use of a cool first-time end to Davide Zappacosta’s low cross. “We had been huge open,” mentioned Van Dijk after the ultimate whistle. A frank admission.

Liverpool’s lacklustre defence once more went lacking as Scamacca scored his second on the hour mark – after Klopp had launched Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson from the bench – side-footing Charles De Ketelaere’s supply past Kelleher.

The collapse was full within the 84th minute when Szoboszlai misplaced the ball softly in midfield, liberating Ederson, earlier than Pasalic atoned for his earlier miss by tapping into an empty web from Kelleher’s poor parry.

Livid Klopp bellowed and waved his arms as he referred to as on followers to elevate the flat Anfield ambiance, however this was Atalanta’s evening – the Reds’ hopes of constructing Could’s Dublin showpiece are actually in critical jeopardy.

“Nothing optimistic to say in regards to the recreation,” mentioned Klopp. “They [Atalanta] 100 per cent deserved it. It was a very unhealthy recreation. I did not like our tactical self-discipline. We had been in every single place. No counter press. I do know the boys can play higher soccer, however not tonight.”

How Atalanta left Liverpool’s EL hopes in tatters

The warning indicators had been there from the beginning.

Harvey Elliott gave the impression to be fouled however Atalanta had been allowed to proceed, the ball finally falling for Pasalic to strike from six yards, with Kelleher saving through his face inside three minutes.

Elliott’s effort from huge proper of the field, shortly after, clipped the underside of the crossbar in addition to hitting the far publish, and that was pretty much as good because it obtained for Liverpool, who endured a humbling night.

Zappacosta, the marauding former Chelsea defender, despatched in a low cross for Scamacca to hit a first-time shot that squirmed previous Kelleher – Atalanta’s first assault of a tactically spectacular show.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s facet saved up the strain after the break, as Liverpool obtained much less and fewer convincing, Klopp’s substitutes making them worse, not higher.

An all too easy go down the correct to De Ketelaere caught the hosts napping, with Konate and Joe Gomez at fault for leaving Scamacca free to attain with a measured end.

Liverpool regarded misplaced as they tried to drag one again, with their celebrations at decreasing the deficit within the 79th minute short-lived as Salah strayed offside from Robertson’s go.

Simply 4 minutes later the temper darkened additional as Szoboszlai’s mistake allowed Atalanta to interrupt and nick a doubtlessly tie-ending third.

Klopp: I am accountable – however I do not remorse modifications

Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp: “We performed a foul recreation. We deserved to lose. We should really feel that now. However the boys have solely this evening to really feel unhealthy about it, then we’ve got to construct up once more.

“Very well accomplished Atalanta, that is it. They’re inflicting many groups issues. Man-marking is uncomfortable if you end up not on prime of your recreation. They defended us. We suffered from their manner.

“While you lose a recreation then your modifications are questionable, I get that 100 per cent. I might do it the very same manner once more. We’ve to make modifications if we wish to be good for the remainder of the season.

“I’m liable for this outcome, I do know that. However the selections I might most likely take once more.”

Verdict: Disjointed Liverpool declining at a key time?

What’s subsequent?

Liverpool host Crystal Palace within the Premier League on Sunday, reside on Sky Sports activities Premier League from 1pm, kick-off 2pm. They then journey to Italy for the second leg of the quarter-final subsequent Thursday, kick-off 8pm.

Atalanta could have greater than 24 hours much less relaxation forward of the return leg, with a Serie A house recreation in opposition to Verona on Monday to take care of first, kick-off 7.45pm.