Liverpool’s hopes of including to their massive assortment of European trophies and ending Jurgen Klopp’s ultimate season at Anfield with a treble took a serious hit as they have been blown away by Atalanta within the Europa League.
The Reds have been favourites to achieve the semi-finals and even win the competitors forward of Thursday night time’s first leg within the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, it was a uncommon off night time for Klopp’s facet, who suffered their first defeat at Anfield in over a yr.
With their possibilities of glory on the continent now hanging by a thread, listed here are the gamers who impressed and those that flattered to deceive within the 3-0 loss, as per 90min’s participant rankings.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Netherlands worldwide Cody Gakpo was vigorous all through the primary leg, even when he did find yourself fading in direction of full-time.
The 24-year-old was Liverpool’s most vibrant attacker, creating 5 probabilities whereas racking up 1.4 price of anticipated assists. Had his teammates put the fitting boots on and completed a few of these alternatives, the consequence could have been totally different for Gakpo and the Reds.
Honourable point out
Andy Robertson – 6/10
Thursday night time provided Andy Robertson the prospect to get extra minutes in his legs after his first begin since getting back from damage final weekend within the draw at Man Utd.
He got here on as a half-time substitute right here and did present a contemporary sense of urgency down the left, with a few of his teasing deliveries solely simply lacking their targets.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 4/10
What began as a great night time for Caoimhin Kelleher quickly turned to a combined night after which a serious disappointment.
The Republic of Eire worldwide had made a blinding save along with his face within the first 5 minutes to disclaim Mario Pasalic, however he did not see sufficient of Gianluca Scamacca’s first effort to stop it sliding below his physique and will solely smother Ederson’s shot into Pasalic’s path for the third purpose.
Kelleher has been largely constant throughout Alisson’s latest spell on the sidelines however this outing will go down as a season low, with Liverpool’s possibilities of Europa League development now slim after such a heavy defeat.
Dishonourable point out
Darwin Nunez – 4/10
It was one other efficiency full of chaos from Darwin Nunez, however there was no enjoyable available for Liverpool followers as he proved luckless in entrance of purpose.
The Uruguayan’s 4 pictures racked up a mixed 0.52 in anticipated objectives however he solely hit the goal with one effort, additionally being caught offside twice.
Liverpool have been responsible of wasteful ending all through the 2023/24 season however their type in entrance of purpose has began to value them repeatedly in latest weeks. With a three-goal deficit to overturn subsequent week in Bergamo, the Reds cannot afford for Nunez to be something however razor-sharp for the return leg.
