Liverpool’s hopes of claiming the UEFA Europa League trophy in Jurgen Klopp’s final season as manager were dealt a massive blow as they slumped to a crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Atalanta in the quarter-finals. It was a remarkable result as the visitors pounced in clinical fashion to punish Liverpool and record a memorable result against Klopp’s off-colour side.
Atalanta recorded a famous victory in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Liverpool at Anfield as the Premier League side were left stunned in front of their own fans.
Gianluca Scamacca struck a superb double either side of half-time (38′ and 60′) before Mario Pasalic (83′) added what could be a killer third for the clinical Italian side in the 83rd minute.
Mohamed Salah was introduced at half-time with Liverpool trailing, but even he could not retrieve the situation as his finish on 79 minutes was ruled offside.
Pasalic’s 50th goal for Atalanta condemned the tournament favourites to a grim evening and leaves them needing to win by four goals in the return leg next Thursday against a side occupying sixth spot in Serie A.
It was little wonder Atalanta celebrated with the visiting fans at full-time after arguably their greatest European victory.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: GIANLUCA SCAMACCA (ATALANTA)
Two brilliant finishes from the striker to floor the home side as he showed the edge and quality Liverpool lacked all night. The composure of his second finish was a genuine thing of beauty.
