Liverpool’s Europa League campaign hangs in the balance after a surprising home loss to Atalanta in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at Anfield.
Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca struck twice, while ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic added a late goal, leaving the Italians as strong favorites to progress to the semi-finals.
Scamacca opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, whose error allowed the striker’s low shot to slip under him.
In a frustrating night for Liverpool, Darwin Nunez squandered two clear opportunities, and Harvey Elliott’s curling effort struck the crossbar before hitting the post.
Mohamed Salah, initially on the bench, forced a brilliant save from Atalanta keeper Juan Musso after Kelleher redeemed himself by denying Teun Koopmeiners a second goal.
Salah also had a goal disallowed for offside, but Liverpool lacked urgency and failed to mount a significant comeback, ultimately paying the price for defensive lapses.
Scamacca, left unmarked, doubled Atalanta’s lead with a clinical finish in the 60th minute, while Pasalic sealed the victory in the 83rd minute after Kelleher could only parry Ederson’s shot into his path.
The defeat leaves Liverpool facing an uphill battle in the second leg, with the winners set to face Benfica or Marseille in the semi-finals.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who made several changes from their previous match against Manchester United, produced one of their poorest performances of the season, leaving their European campaign in jeopardy.