Liverpool’s hopes of adding to their large collection of European trophies and ending Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield with a treble took a major hit as they were blown away by Atalanta in the Europa League.
The Reds were favourites to reach the semi-finals and even win the competition ahead of Thursday night’s first leg in the quarter-finals. However, it was a rare off night for Klopp’s side, who suffered their first defeat at Anfield in over a year.
With their chances of glory on the continent now hanging by a thread, here are the players who impressed and those who flattered to deceive in the 3-0 loss, as per 90min’s player ratings.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Netherlands international Cody Gakpo was lively throughout the first leg, even if he did end up fading towards full-time.
The 24-year-old was Liverpool’s most vibrant attacker, creating five chances while racking up 1.4 worth of expected assists. Had his teammates put the right boots on and finished some of those opportunities, the result may have been different for Gakpo and the Reds.
Honourable mention
Andy Robertson – 6/10
Thursday night offered Andy Robertson the chance to get more minutes in his legs after his first start since returning from injury last weekend in the draw at Man Utd.
He came on as a half-time substitute here and did provide a fresh sense of urgency down the left, with some of his teasing deliveries only just missing their targets.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 4/10
What started as a good night for Caoimhin Kelleher soon turned to a mixed evening and then a major disappointment.
The Republic of Ireland international had made a blinding save with his face in the first five minutes to deny Mario Pasalic, but he didn’t see enough of Gianluca Scamacca’s first effort to prevent it sliding under his body and could only smother Ederson’s shot into Pasalic’s path for the third goal.
Kelleher has been largely consistent during Alisson’s recent spell on the sidelines but this outing will go down as a season low, with Liverpool’s chances of Europa League progression now slim after such a heavy defeat.
Dishonourable mention
Darwin Nunez – 4/10
It was another performance filled with chaos from Darwin Nunez, but there was no fun to be had for Liverpool fans as he proved luckless in front of goal.
The Uruguayan’s four shots racked up a combined 0.52 in expected goals but he only hit the target with one effort, also being caught offside twice.
Liverpool have been guilty of wasteful finishing throughout the 2023/24 season but their form in front of goal has started to cost them regularly in recent weeks. With a three-goal deficit to overturn next week in Bergamo, the Reds can’t afford for Nunez to be anything but razor-sharp for the return leg.
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