Liverpool got exactly what they deserved this evening, a disgraceful performance well punished by Atalanta.
In truth, the Italian side could be a little disappointed not to have come away with more than the three goal lead they take with them back to Bergamo.
If the Reds are to progress in the Europa League now, they’re going to need one of their all-time great European performances. It feels like a huge ask.
Still, Liverpool have shown that they can go to Atalanta and give them a pasting before. The Reds beat their hosts 5-0 in the Champions League back in 2020.
Diogo Jota hit a hat-trick that night and with the Portuguese making his return from injury this evening, maybe anything is possible.
Virgil van Dijk makes second-leg prediction
As captain, it was only right that Virgil van Dijk fronted up to the cameras after tonight’s insipid performance.
Individually, the skipper wasn’t the worst on the pitch for Liverpool, far from it. But as the most senior player in the dressing room, he’s the one carrying the can.
Inevitably, Van Dijk was asked by beIN SPORTS whether he thinks he and his teammates can replicate their 5-0 victory four years ago.
“We’ve made it very difficult for ourselves, we can’t lie about that,” said the 32-year-old.
“We’ll give it everything, we’re not going to Italy to try and just score one, we have to do a lot more than we did today. We have the quality to do so but we have to learn from a lot of things that we did wrong today.”
Can Liverpool still progress in the Europa League
On the evidence of tonight’s display, there’s virtually no chance of Liverpool going to Atalanta and getting the goals needed to get themselves through.
Although they did create one or two openings at Anfield tonight, it wasn’t nearly enough.
Employing a man-marking system, the visitors kept Liverpool at arms length all evening. The Reds simply couldn’t break through.
Of course, things can be different with Liverpool chasing goals, and perhaps Atalanta will get nervy now with so much to lose. But it just doesn’t feel likely.
Liverpool will have to go there and be positive next week, but it’s hard to find that gumption right now. First, let’s make sure we bounce back with a win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.