Liverpool turned in one of their poorest performances in the Jurgen Klopp era as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat at home to Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal. The result leaves the Reds on the verge of European elimination in what is also Klopp’s final season as manager at Anfield.
The hosts were given an early warning when Mario Pasalic fluffed his lines in the 4th minute, with his shot hitting Caoimhin Kelleher in the face. Liverpool then created a couple of decent opportunities, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott both going close.
Atalanta took the lead in the 38th minute through Gianluca Scamacca, with the former West Ham striker slotting in Davide Zappacosta’s cross from close range. Kelleher didn’t exactly cover himself in glory for the goal, but he did atone a bit by saving Teun Koopmeiners’ attempt just before half time.
Another delicious cross from Charles de Ketelaere saw Scamacca double Atalanta’s lead on the hour mark. Pasalic then put the icing on the cake in the 83rd minute, scoring from the rebound after Ederson’s first-time effort had been saved by Kelleher.
Liverpool will now play Crystal Palace this weekend, while Atalanta will square off against Verona.
