X reacts as Liverpool suffer damaging Europa League defeat to Atalanta

  • Liverpool facing huge battle to reach the semi-finals after heavy first-leg defeat
  • Atalanta produced a masterful performance as Reds lost at Anfield for first time in 2023/24
  • Return leg set to be played in Bergamo next week
Liverpool were battered on Thursday night
Liverpool were battered on Thursday night / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Liverpool have produced some incredible comebacks throughout their history and another monumental recovery will be needed to resurrect their Europa League campaign after a damaging defeat to Atalanta.

The Reds were heavily fancied to go all the way in Europe's secondary competition and hadn't lost a match at Anfield since their thumping at the hands of Real Madrid last season.

However, the visiting Atalanta - just sixth in Serie A - were smart and efficient under manager Gian Piero Gasperini's direction and took the lead before half-time when former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca bagged in the 38th minute.

He was at it again just after the hour mark. The Reds were caught napping as Charles De Ketelaere cut the home defence open to find Scamacca to double the visitors' lead.

Atalanta were in dreamland with the tie almost won at the half-way stage as they went three goals ahead. Teun Koopmeiners broke free and while Caoimhin Kelleher saved Ederson's strike, the ball fell to Mario Pasalic to make it 3-0.


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