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Liverpool still need one more win to reach the Champions League round of 16 after Atalanta defeated them 2-0 at Anfield.
The Serie A club were mature and methodical, taking revenge for a 5-0 defeat in the reverse match earlier this month, and it was worth it for their win as Liverpool did not record any shots on goal throughout. the match.
Josip Ilicic broke the deadlock of a Papu Gómez cross at the hour mark before Robin Gosens doubled his lead (64) when Liverpool suffered a bad night.
The result means that the Premier League champions continue to lead Group D with nine points, but Ajax joined Atalanta behind them with seven points apiece after their 3-1 win over Midtjylland, which eliminated the Danes.
Liverpool remain in control of their own destiny in Group D
Josip Ilicic broke the deadlock of the center of Papu Gómez at the hour
Maduro Atalanta punishes the passive reds
Nothing that happened on the Anfield court would overshadow the news that came to light hours before this contest, with the passing of Diego Maradona with good reason to dominate the media in the coming days, and a minute of silence was observed before the start to honor the Argentine legend.
Liverpool knew victory would secure their place in the round of 16 when competition returns in February, but it took them 44 minutes to produce their first shot during a tepid first half. James Milner played a short free kick to Kostas Tsimikas, and after Rafael Toloi failed to clear properly, Mohamed Salah’s right foot effort did not bother Pierluigi Gollini.
Atalanta was by far the most threatening when Gian Piero Gasperini watched his team play more entrepreneurial football, orchestrated by the evergreen Gomez.
The Argentine was once defended by Maradona for a foul on Lucas Biglia during a Serie A clash that endangered the then AC Milan midfielder’s presence at the 2018 World Cup, and his strong change of pace and low center. Gravity lit a tone off opening 45 minutes.
Atalanta seized the best opportunity when Cristian Romero encountered Robin Gosens’ overlapping run, but his snapshot was rejected at his first post by Alisson. There was another noteworthy incident when Ilicic fell theatrically to a challenge from Tsimikas, but referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande was unfazed.
Robin Gosens doubled Atalanta’s lead when Liverpool suffered a bad night
Having won their first three games without conceding a goal, Liverpool knew they had already done the hard work, but Jurgen Klopp was unimpressed, looking to inject some urgency into his troops at the break.
The Liverpool manager sent Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino to warm up within minutes of the restart after seeing little improvement, but the worst was yet to come as Atalanta duly took the lead.
Inevitably, Gomez was involved as his sublime center from the left was stabbed home from close range by Ilicic, under Alisson’s body.
Four substitutes and four minutes later, Liverpool lost 2-0. Another center from Gomez was this time finished off by Hateboer and Gosens was unmarked for a volley from seven yards.
This was uncharted territory for the six-time European champions. In fact, it was the first time Liverpool had trailed two goals in a Champions League match at Anfield since October 2014, against Real Madrid.
The hosts were playing the price for their passive display, with news of Ajax’s lead over Midtjylland tightening their lead at the top, but this time there would be no historic comeback.
Duvan Zapata opened up one last chance for a third, but having dismantled Atalanta in Bergamo three weeks ago, this was a rude awakening for Liverpool ahead of Ajax’s visit next week.
What the manager said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refused to get carried away
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp saying BT sport: “It wasn’t a good game. Of both teams, they didn’t create much, until they scored the goals.
“A deserved defeat in a difficult match. The referee didn’t whistle much and that makes it even more difficult, for both sides. It was incredibly intense and you need some breaks.”
“When the first half is over, you usually settle, but for some players who didn’t play for a while it was very intense for them. We didn’t find the way in the game.
“It’s easier to talk about a good game. We had moments but no real opportunities. It could happen to other teams.”
“Thumbs up, no injuries and we go again.”
Analysis: fringe players don’t seize the opportunity
Rhys Williams and Andrew Robertson look shocked at the final whistle
Former Liverpool forward Neil Mellor told Sky Sports:
“The priority was the weekend against Brighton because of the strong position Liverpool are already in. Ultimately, it’s about passing the group. Ideally, Liverpool would like to win the group, but there is still a lot left. two games, one at home for Ajax, while they are expected to win the final game if it comes down to that against Midtjylland.
“Klopp made all five changes tonight, and it was flat, disjointed. The guys that came in didn’t take their chance. It’s a reminder that Atalanta are a decent team and they responded to the loss a few weeks ago. They didn’t give Liverpool the chance. space he had in that first game and got his rewards. “
Man of the match – Papu Gomez
Papu Gómez inspired his team to a memorable victory against Liverpool
Salah came back after a couple of negative Covid tests, but was overshadowed by the brilliant Gomez. No player produced more passes in the opposition half than the 32-year-old (44), who enjoyed his night in Merseyside, providing one assist and playing a role in setting up for the second.
It was three years ago this week that he gave two assists during Atalanta’s 5-1 win at Everton in the Europa League, and on the night Maradona’s career was held, it seemed appropriate that his compatriot in the number 10 jersey would have him quit. such an impression in the field.
Liverpool shy of shots – Opta stats
Neco Williams lands on his back on a disappointing night for the hosts
- Liverpool lost a competitive home game by a margin of more than one goal for the first time in 137 games at Anfield with Jürgen Klopp, this being their biggest loss since August 2015 in the Premier League against West Ham with Brendan Rodgers (0 -3 ).
- Atalanta have won each of their last four away games in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 13 goals in the process and keeping a clean sheet in three of those four victories.
- Each of the last three teams to win their first away game against Liverpool in all competitions have been Italian clubs (Fiorentina in December 2009, Udinese in October 2012, Atalanta today). In fact, Atalanta is the first team to win their first such visit to Anfield by more than one goal since Spartak Moscow in November 1992 (also 2-0).
- For the first time since Opta began recording shooting data in the Champions League in 2003-04, Liverpool failed to attempt a single shot on goal in a competitive home game.
Whats Next?
Liverpool will travel to face Brighton at Amex Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League; start 12.30 pm. They return to Champions League action when they host Ajax on Tuesday, December 1; start 8pm.
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