When Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said, “If we fail, then let’s fail in the most beautiful way”, ahead of the second leg against Atalanta, most fans thought about a big fight, two early goals, lots of chances, big drama and maybe an Istanbul-like ending. And they had a dream start as the Reds took the lead as early as possible, in the sixth minute of the game, after a successful penalty by Mohamed Salah. But what followed was all but ‘the most beautiful way’. Liverpool was not on fire at all, they created only one big chance after the first goal (Salah lobbed the keeper and missed the whole goal) and their dream ended in Europa League too. From the moment Klopp said that he was leaving the club in June, the unofficial hype at the club was that they should see off the German with a triplet (Premier League, a Cup and a Europa League title). As it looks, Klopp will close the doors at Enfiled with only a Carabao Cup: Atalanta – Liverpool 0-1.Bergamo celebrates its historic first entry into the semifinals, but the entire footballing Italy joins in the celebration because, starting next season, it will have five representatives in the Champions League. In a direct clash between two clubs from countries hoping for an additional spot in the elite competition, Atalanta outplayed the Reds and secured a spot among the top four in the Europa League, mathematically guaranteeing another place among the best for Italian teams.2 – Atalanta have reached the semi-finals of a major European competition for the second time in their history (after 1987/88 season, in Cup Winners’ Cup). Historical.#AtalantaLiverpool #UEL— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 18, 2024 In contrast to the first leg when he was more cautious, Jürgen Klopp fielded practically his strongest lineup in the rematch against Atalanta, with the only change being Cody Gakpo replacing Darwin Nunez up front. However, the most significant changes were in the full-back positions, where the German coach could count on both Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold after a long time. And it was precisely after the right-back’s cross that Liverpool won a penalty. Mateo Ruggieri unintentionally fouled (the ball hit his hand after Arnold’s cross), giving Mohamed Salah a chance to reduce the deficit as early as the seventh minute. Salah successfully converted the penalty, and a potential spectacle in Bergamo was about to begin. However, those present at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium were denied any drama afterwards.Perhaps not if, just six minutes later, Luis Diaz had capitalized on the opportunity provided to him by Cody Gakpo, but Juan Musso’s timely intervention earned him the title of one of the standout performers of the tie, leaving Liverpool fans wondering where their team would be now if their forwards had just slightly better finishing in the last two or three weeks. After a turbulent start, the players of the sixth-placed team in the Italian league managed to lower the tempo. However, with the attacking prowess that Liverpool possesses, it’s difficult always to maintain control over the game. One moment of carelessness and… That moment of carelessness almost cost the hosts dearly towards the end of the first half when Mohamed Salah, on a pass from Gakpo, eluded Sead Kolasinac but then embarrassed himself in attempting to lob Musso. Nobody knew it then, but that was all from the Reds this evening. They showed nothing in the second half and deserved to be eliminated from the Europa League. UEFA EUROPA LEAGUEQuarterfinals – second legThursdayAtalanta – Liverpool 0-1 (0-1)/Salah (p) 6/Atalanta win 3-1 on aggWest Ham – Leverkusen 1-1 (1-0)/Antonio 13 – Frimpong 89/Leverkusen win 2-1 on aggOlympique Marseille – Benfica 1-0 (0-0) – in progress/Moumbanga 71/Roma – Milan 2-1 (2-0)/Mancini 12, Dybala 22 – Gabbia 85/Roma win 3-0 on agg
