Liverpool’s hopes of advancing in the Europa League took a major blow as they suffered a surprising home defeat to Atalanta in the quarter-final first leg at Anfield. The Italian side dominated the match, with former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca scoring in each half and ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic adding a late third goal.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was at fault for the first goal, allowing Scamacca’s low drive to creep under him. The Reds had their chances to equalize, with Darwin Nunez missing two big opportunities and Harvey Elliott’s curling attempt hitting the bar before bouncing off the post. Mohamed Salah, who started on the bench, forced a fine save from Atalanta’s keeper Juan Musso.
However, Liverpool lacked urgency and were punished for their poor defending. Scamacca took advantage of being left unmarked to double Atalanta’s lead with a crisp finish. Pasalic sealed the victory with an 83rd-minute strike after Kelleher made a save but failed to clear the danger.
The defeat leaves Liverpool with a massive challenge in the second leg, as they now have to overcome a three-goal deficit to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals. Atalanta will be strong favorites when the two teams meet again in Bergamo next week.
Liverpool’s poor performance against Atalanta came at a crucial time for manager Jurgen Klopp. The German coach has enjoyed many memorable European nights at Anfield during his nine-year tenure, but this disappointing loss could be his last European home game as Liverpool boss. Klopp made six changes to the team that drew against Manchester United, hoping to establish a comfortable cushion in the first leg. However, his team never got going and now face an uphill battle to stay in Europe.
Even the return of Diogo Jota from injury after a two-month absence couldn’t inspire Liverpool. Their hopes of reaching the Europa League final in Dublin on May 22 seem like a distant dream now.
The defeat against Atalanta also marked Liverpool’s first home loss since a Champions League last-16 tie in February 2023 when they were defeated 5-2 by Real Madrid. It was a night to forget for the Reds, who were outplayed by a clinical Atalanta side.
The winners of this tie will face either Benfica or Marseille in the semi-finals. Benfica currently holds a 2-1 advantage after the first leg.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s shocking defeat against Atalanta has put their Europa League campaign in jeopardy. Jurgen Klopp’s side now faces an uphill battle to overturn a three-goal deficit in the second leg. The Italian team showcased their clinical finishing and punished Liverpool for their poor defending. It remains to be seen if the Reds can turn things around in the return leg and keep their European hopes alive.