Liverpool can be optimistic about their chances to inspire an unlikely comeback against Atalanta due to two reasons.
Liverpool have been here before. It’s not the first time Jurgen Klopp’s side has been down after the first leg in a European knock-out match.
Over the last few seasons, Klopp has run into similar situations before, most notably against Spanish clubs (Real Madrid twice in 2022/23 and 2020/21 and Atletico Madrid in 2019/20).
The one everyone remembers, though, is the magical Anfield night against Barcelona. To this date, that is the only time Liverpool were able to overturn a deficit by more than two goals in a European two legged tie under Klopp.
But if the Reds want to lift another European trophy and the one he hasn’t yet lifted at Anfield, they are going to have to need to do it again against Atalanta tomorrow night.
The two reasons why Liverpool can achieve a dream result against Atalanta
In the first leg, everything went against Liverpool. Atalanta simply dominated the match at Anfield.
But this is not the first time Atalanta have done that at Anfield. In the 2020/21 season, Gian Piero Gasperini similarly dominated Liverpool at Anfield and only won 2-0 on that occasion.
What is interesting for Liverpool is that the complete opposite happened in Bergamo that season. When the Reds went there during the same season, they absolutely annihilated Atalanta 5-0.
That result would be more than enough to secure the victory for Liverpool, and that is one reason why Jurgen Klopp’s men will have hope.
But it’s not the only one. On Monday night, Atalanta faced Hellas Verona in a crunch game in Serie A.
Gasperini’s side took a 2-0 lead at half-time. Remarkably though Hellas Verona, who are fighting for relegation in Serie A came back within the space of four minutes in the second-half to draw the game 2-2.
That shows that Atalanta can be exploited and that they are vulnerable. If Liverpool can score two goals in such a quick space of time, then they will feel confident about overturning the tie as well.
For those reasons, tomorrow’s game definitely isn’t a foregone conclusion.
What Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his Atalanta side ahead of facing Liverpool again
Gasperini recognises that this won’t be an easy game either. Speaking to Sky Sports Italia after the Hellas Verona draw, he sent a warning to his players.
“We saw tonight that Verona were able to score two goals in four minutes,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I’ve seen Liverpool score three in six minutes in a Champions League final against Milan!
“We knew after Anfield it wasn’t over, but Thursday will be an historic appointment for the city, the club and our players. We know another great performance is needed, but the objective is so prestigious that we’ll find the energy.”