Liverpool was in desperate need of a miracle, yet it was clear from the start that their match against Atalanta would not be the stage for such a dramatic turnaround. Consequently, Jurgen Klopp’s journey as Liverpool FC manager in European competitions has come to an end.
Atalanta secured progression with a 3-1 aggregate score.
Liverpool entered the match amidst a slump in form, having only secured three victories in their last eight matches across all competitions. Despite clinching a 1-0 victory on the night, their struggles persisted.
Jurgen Klopp made three alterations to the lineup from the previous match against Crystal Palace, with Conor Bradley sidelined due to injury, and Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez making room for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo.
Securing the opening goal was paramount, and Liverpool achieved just that with Mo Salah calmly converting a penalty within the first seven minutes of play.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pivotal role in earning the penalty cannot be overstated, as his exceptional cross-field pass to Luis Diaz set up the opportunity, followed by a pinpoint delivery into the box that led to the penalty call.
Liverpool maintained control of possession, with Alexander-Arnold notably exerting influence. His remarkable pass to Gakpo on the half-hour mark nearly resulted in a second goal.
However, in the crucial final third, Liverpool often faltered with an excess of passes and a reluctance to shoot.
Salah squandered a golden opportunity in the 39th minute by attempting to chip the keeper, only to miss the target, highlighting Liverpool’s current lack of clinical finishing.
Just before halftime, an Atalanta defender’s handball blatantly obstructed a promising scoring chance for Liverpool. Yet, both the referee and VAR chose not to brandish a red card.
Jayden Danns made his European debut, stepping onto the pitch for the final 15 minutes as Klopp aimed to inject a fresh approach to rescue the tie and prolong the European journey.
Despite Klopp’s efforts, Liverpool struggled to generate meaningful opportunities, displaying a lack of creativity. This marks three consecutive games without scoring from open play.
With the failure to advance to the semifinals, Liverpool supporters are left with only two remaining home games under Klopp’s management. The prospect of additional silverware now hinges on Manchester City faltering in the title race.
Player Ratings
Alisson Becker — 8
Alisson showcased exceptional skill with the ball at his feet, almost resembling an outfield player. At one point, he ventured into midfield due to the lack of passing options, displaying remarkable confidence. His save from Van Dijk’s header, despite the offside flag already raised, was nothing short of sublime.
Trent Alexander-Arnold — 8
The impact of Alexander-Arnold is palpable when he is fit and in top form. Immediately upon his return, he began orchestrating attacks with precise passes. With one swift movement of his right foot, he demonstrated his class by seamlessly transitioning play from defense to offense. While he showed signs of fatigue in the second half, the minutes on the field will undoubtedly benefit him.
Ibrahima Konaté — 7
Konaté experienced a few uncertain moments but also executed several solid tackles. As the first half unfolded, he settled into the rhythm of the game. His decision to step up and catch Teun Koopmeiners offside, just as the Dutch midfielder found the net, proved to be a crucial intervention, despite the offside call.
Virgil van Dijk — 7
Van Dijk demonstrated dominance and composure throughout the match, unafraid to concede a foul when necessary. His quality shone through, as he elevated his performance when the situation demanded it.
Andy Robertson — 7
Robertson displayed abundant energy from the full-back position and served as a reliable outlet for Alisson when Atalanta’s attackers applied pressure. Undoubtedly a vital member of Liverpool’s starting lineup, he contributes significantly both in attack and defense.
Dominik Szoboszlai — 6
This was one of the most promising performances he’s shown in a Liverpool jersey recently. While there’s still room for improvement, it’s a step in the right direction for the Hungarian. He seemed relieved to have Alexander-Arnold supporting him once again, although his influence waned after halftime.
Alexis Mac Allister — 7
Although not as involved as he has been in more advanced positions in recent weeks, Mac Allister quietly excelled in the holding role. He adeptly snuffed out danger and coped well with Atalanta’s pressing, unlike Wataru Endō in the previous Anfield encounter.
Curtis Jones — 7
Jones demonstrated excellent ball retention for Liverpool, providing a valuable presence in midfield to maintain control. He skillfully manipulated Atalanta’s marking to create space and was decisive with his passing in the final third.
Mohamed Salah — 6
While he opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Salah missed a golden opportunity later in the first half when through on goal, opting for a lob that sailed wide. After scoring, his impact diminished, and the missed chance proved costly. Had Liverpool secured a second goal, the outcome might have been different.
Cody Gakpo — 8
Gakpo’s ability to connect plays surpassed that of Darwin Núñez, without a doubt. The Dutch forward, wearing the number nine, justified his spot in the lineup by consistently unsettling the Italian defense and causing havoc.
Luis Díaz — 7
Díaz frequently drifted inside and appeared more centrally than usual. Despite displaying sharper form than in recent weeks, he struggled to find the final touch in the attacking third.
SUBSTITUTES
Liverpool persisted in their lack of clinical finishing, squandering additional opportunities early in the second half.
Klopp opted for a triple substitution after the hour mark in an attempt to secure at least a second goal. Salah and Luis Diaz made way for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Darwin Núñez — 6
His first action saw him hold onto the ball too long, running into a dead end. Additionally, he frustrated Alisson by failing to provide an option for possession when Harvey Elliott created space.
Diogo Jota — 6
Still regaining full sharpness, Jota struggled to retain possession. Liverpool had hoped for an opportunity in the box for him to capitalize on, but chances were scarce for the Reds in open play.
Harvey Elliott — 6
Introduced earlier than in the previous match, which was a positive move, but Elliott’s impact from the bench was limited in this instance. He delivered a couple of decent crosses but little else.
Joe Gomez — 7
Brought on due to Alexander-Arnold’s inability to complete the full game, Gomez did his best. However, Liverpool’s attacking threat was inevitably reduced with him on the field.
Jayden Danns — 6
A final attempt for Liverpool, Danns made his European debut as a teenage forward. While he showed glimpses of promise with some good touches, the dream moment he anticipated didn’t materialize.