Klopp and Co. Fall Short in Bergamo
Liverpool’s 250th victory in UEFA competition was not enough to rectify the mistakes of their first-leg performance, resulting in their exit from the Europa League at the quarter-final stage. Atalanta emerged as the victors with a 3-1 aggregate score. Playing away against a defensively strong Italian side with only 750 supporters behind them, the Reds needed a heroic display to replicate their famous European comeback against Barcelona in 2019.
Early on in the match, Matteo Ruggeri’s clumsy arm in the 18-yard box led to a penalty being awarded by referee François Letexier. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross made contact with Ruggeri’s outstretched arm, leaving Letexier with no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mohamed Salah confidently converted the penalty, sending Juan Musso the wrong way. It was a moment reminiscent of Divock Origi’s opener five years prior, adding to the belief that Liverpool could mount a comeback.
The Challenges of Overcoming the First-Leg Defeat
However, Liverpool faced new challenges in their pursuit of a comeback. In the past, they had lost European knock-out first-legs on home soil twice, and on both occasions, they were eliminated in the same round. The first half ended with a warning for Liverpool as Teun Koopmeiners scored from a clear offside position. Additionally, there was a controversial handball incident involving Isak Hien, which denied Luis Díaz a clear goalscoring opportunity. Liverpool needed to remain patient and draw on their knowledge that 63 percent of their goals this season had come in the second half or extra-time.
Despite the introduction of Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Harvey Elliott all at once, Liverpool struggled to break through Atalanta’s well-organized defense. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side was content to sit deep and counter-attack effectively, making life extremely difficult for the visitors. Liverpool’s substitutions had little impact, and with only one shot on goal in the entire second half, the once-favorites to win the competition left the field disappointed.
Looking Ahead
As the final whistle blew, scenes of joy erupted inside the Gewiss Stadium, as Atalanta secured their place in the semi-finals. Liverpool, along with rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, who were also eliminated from the Champions League this week, now have only the Premier League title to play for. It is a crucial remaining objective for Jürgen Klopp if he is to depart with one more major honor.