SAN FRANCISCO, November 26, (THEWILL) – English Premier League champions Liverpool missed a good opportunity to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages as they slipped to a shock 2-0 defeat to Atalanta.
Liverpool had trounced Atalanta 5-0 in Bergamo on November 3 in the reverse fixture of this tie. With an eye on the hectic schedule of matches ahead and injury concerns, Jurgen Klopp selected a blend of fringe players and first-team regulars. It was a costly mistake as the hosts failed to hit a single shot on goal until the 44th minute.
Back from enforced coronavirus self-isolating, Mohamed Salah did not look his clinical self. The Egyptian gave the ball away sloppily in the middle of Liverpool’s half after three minutes. The loss of possession allowed Slovenian striker Josip Ilicic to curl a shot wide from 20 yards.
German winger Robin Gosens burst into the box moments later and forced a strong one-handed save from Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal with a thunderous shot.
Salah struck tamely over the crossbar just before half-time to register Liverpool’s only attempt of the first period. It was the lowest tally of shots in a first half for the Anfield men since January 2017 against Chelsea.
The visitors continued to press early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Papu Gomez tested Alisson with a low drive from a quickly taken set piece which the keeper dealt with comfortably.
The breakthrough arrived just before the hour mark. Given space and time around the Liverpool box, Gomez curled an in-swinging cross to the edge of the six-yard area, where Ilicic slid in to prod a low shot past Alisson into the corner of the net.
One became two four minutes later and was an even better goal. Dutch midfielder Hans Hateboer headed a looping Gomez delivery back across the face of goal and Gosens impressively opened up his body to volley past Alisson.
Klopp introduced Andy Robertson, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota to force a result, but Gian Piero Gasperini’s well-organised Atalanta held firm to give their hopes of reaching the knockout stage a huge boost.
A victory on the night was all Liverpool needed to qualify from Group D with a 100 per cent record. Instead, the standings are now tightly balanced with Klopp’s team only two points clear of Ajax and Atalanta, who both have seven. Yet, it will be the dreary nature of Liverpool’s performance that will bother Klopp the most.
Up next for Liverpool is an away tie at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, while Atalanta entertain Hellas Verona in Serie A later that day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
