Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League despite Mohamed Salah’s penalty giving them a 1-0 victory over Atalanta.
The Reds suffered a shock 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final, which significantly dampened their hopes of reaching the last four.
Jurgen Klopp named a strong starting XI in hopes of completing another memorable European comeback, but it was not to be.
Liverpool had hope in the opening ten minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a Matteo Ruggeri handball.
Salah was the man to step up and he slotted it into the bottom right corner as the Reds contemplated a miraculous turnaround.
Atalanta, however, responded with a solid defensive performance and with 66 minutes on the clock, Klopp replaced his striker.
It’s a decision that surprised Dean Ashton when he spoke on talkSPORT commentary.
“I’m surprised it’s Mohamed Salah because I think if you want someone on the pitch it’s him because of his goalscoring record,” he said.
“So it surprises me that he’s gone. It doesn’t surprise me that changes have been made.”
Liverpool had chances to score a second that could have inspired a very important third that would have taken them into extra time.
But Atalanta remained strong and finished the match despite losing 1-0 early and secured their place in the semi-finals.
Their first leg victory at Anfield was enough to see them through to the last four, although they were defeated at home.
Liverpool were favorites to reach the final in Dublin next month, but their European journey is now over.
Premier League title glory is still a possibility as they look to end Klopp’s tenure.
Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League despite Mohamed Salah’s penalty giving them a 1-0 victory over Atalanta.
The Reds suffered a shock 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final, which significantly dampened their hopes of reaching the last four.
Jurgen Klopp named a strong starting XI in hopes of completing another memorable European comeback, but it was not to be.
Liverpool had hope in the opening ten minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a Matteo Ruggeri handball.
Salah was the man to step up and he slotted it into the bottom right corner as the Reds contemplated a miraculous turnaround.
Atalanta, however, responded with a solid defensive performance and with 66 minutes on the clock, Klopp replaced his striker.
It’s a decision that surprised Dean Ashton when he spoke on talkSPORT commentary.
“I’m surprised it’s Mohamed Salah because I think if you want someone on the pitch it’s him because of his goalscoring record,” he said.
“So it surprises me that he’s gone. It doesn’t surprise me that changes have been made.”
Liverpool had chances to score a second that could have inspired a very important third that would have taken them into extra time.
But Atalanta remained strong and finished the match despite losing 1-0 early and secured their place in the semi-finals.
Their first leg victory at Anfield was enough to see them through to the last four, although they were defeated at home.
Liverpool were favorites to reach the final in Dublin next month, but their European journey is now over.
Premier League title glory is still a possibility as they look to end Klopp’s tenure.