PLAYER RATINGS: Scores revealed for DIRE Liverpool stars who flopped in first leg against Atalanta

Release time：2024-05-21 11:38:02 Source：Culture Chronicle news portal

Liverpool were left stunned at Anfield after suffering a shock 3-0 defeat by Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Jurgen Klopp rang the changes ahead of kick off, but they almost backfired straightaway with his side having Caoimhin Kelleher to thank for a stunning save at point-blank range from Mario Pasalic.

The Reds were at far from their best and Gianluca Scamacca gave his side a deserved opener, although his effort did squirm through Kelleher's hands. 

Despite a triple substitution at half-time, Liverpool failed to recover and Scamacca doubled Atalanta's lead after more poor defending, before Mario Pasalic added a third to send the Italian side into dreamland ahead of next week's second leg in Bergamo.

Here, Mail Sport's WILL PICKWORTH has rated the players... 

Atalanta stunned Liverpool at Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie

It was a dreadful night for Jurgen Klopp as his side put in a dismal display to lose 3-0

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3) 

Caoimhin Kelleher - A stunning stop from Pasalic early on, but Kelleher was at fault for the first goal as he allowed Scamacca's shot to squirm through his hands. Did make some good saves after, although his parry landed at the feet of Pasalic for Atalanta's third. 5 

Joe Gomez - Lacked his usual composure on the right and didn't know whether he was coming or going when dealing with Atalanta's split strikers as the Italian side constantly got in behind. Wasteful in attack. 5.5 

Ibrahima Konate - Struggled to deal with a dangerous attacking trio and was at fault for Scamacca's second goal, playing De Ketelaere onside, before leaving the former West Ham flop in acres of space. 6 

Virgil van Dijk - Surprisingly unsteady, with the Serie A outfit constantly cutting Liverpool open, while the Reds faltered against their opponents' press. Also headed over a good chance at a corner. 6 

Kostas Tsimikas - Exposed on his first start since February, with Zappacosta and Koopmeiners causing him all sorts of problems, while he was way out of position in the build-up to Scamacca's first goal. Hooked at half time. 5.5 

Kostas Tsimikas badly struggled on his first start since February, and was hooked at half time

Virgil van Dijk and defensive partner Ibrahima Konate were surprisingly off-colour for the Reds

Joe Gomez lacked his usual composure and struggled to deal with Atalanta's attackers

Wataru Endo - Failed to provide the defensive screening that he has done for much of the season. One of a number of Liverpool stars who were off-colour at Anfield. 6

Alexis Mac Allister - A strong contender for Liverpool's Player of the Season, but the Argentine had one of his quietest nights in a Reds shirt. 6

Curtis Jones - A nice ball to set up a Nunez chance, and picked up some good positions on the inside left channel. Perhaps harshly replaced at half time. 7 

Harvey Elliott - Unlucky not to score after his curled effort hit the post and bar, although failed to make the most of his opportunity from the start. 6.5

Darwin Nunez - Missed a golden chance at 0-0 when he should have gone around Musso, before blazing over inside the box in the second half. Nunez has to improve in front of goal if he wants to reach the next level. 5

Cody Gakpo - Caused occasional problems coming in off the left as the Dutch forward showed signs of his usual self, but he couldn't inspire a fightback for his side. 6

Darwin Nunez was wasteful in attack and squandered two good chance either side of half time

Mohamed Salah failed to inspire Liverpool when coming off the bench and had a goal ruled out

SUBSTITUTES 

Mohamed Salah (for Harvey Elliott, 45 mins) - Finished well for his disallowed goal, but shouldn't have been offside. Wasted two other good chances and even Liverpool's talisman couldn't inspire them on this grim night. 6 

Andy Robertson (for Kostas Tsimikas, 45 mins) - A bright spark for Liverpool as he added impetus down the left and played a delightful ball for Salah's disallowed goal. 6.5

Dominik Szoboszlai (for Curtis Jones, 45 mins) - Looked to add energy, but made an awful mistake for Atalanta's third, which could prove to be crucial in the tie. Missed a good chance late on too. 5

Luis Diaz (for Darwin Nunez, 60 mins) - Struggled to get himself in the game, although he tested Musso with one chance. 5.5

Diogo Jota (for Endo, 75 mins) - A welcome sight to see Jota on the pitch for the first time since February, but introduced too late to make an impact on this game. 5.5

Subs not used: Adrian, Quansah, Bradley, Alexander-Arnold, Bajcetic, Clark, Gravenberch

Booked: None

Scorers: None

It was a special night for Atalanta, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side putting in a stunning display

Atalanta (4-3-1-2): Musso 7: Zappacosta 8.5, Djimsiti 6, Hien 6, Ederson 6; Ruggeri 6, de Roon 7, Pasalic 7.5; Koopmeiners 6.5; Scamacca 8.5, De Ketelaere 7 (Miranchuk 89)

Subs not used: Toloi, Holm, Toure, Lookman, Bakker, Adopo, Carnesecchi, Rossi, Hateboer, Bonfanti

Booked: Hien, Ruggeri

Scorers: Scamacca 38 + 60, Pasalic 83

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