Harm accomplished in first leg as Liverpool exit Europe

Liverpool are out of Europe with a 1-0 win at Atalanta not sufficient to show round their quarter-final tie in Bergamo.

Jurgen Klopp’s aspect had a mountain to climb after a harmful 3-0 defeat at Anfield final week, however hopes of an unlikely comeback had been ignited when Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after seven minutes of the return.

The Egyptian worldwide confidently transformed from the penalty spot after a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross was dealt with inside the realm. Salah then missed a wonderful probability to double Liverpool’s lead on the night time when he lofted a easy end vast of the publish, with Juan Musso off his line.

There was a contentious name when Isak Hien was booked for handball, with the defender’s intervention having blocked Luis Diaz from racing onto a via go. The Merseysiders argued Diaz was in on objective, although a yellow card was awarded.

Liverpool struggled to create probabilities after half-time as Atalanta labored tirelessly out of possession, their disciplined defensive efficiency reserving the Italians a primary European semi-final since 1988.

Klopp’s ultimate European tie answerable for Liverpool led to a win on the night time, although their Europa League exit is a bitter disappointment with the Reds thought-about favourites to achieve the Dublin ultimate. Consideration now turns again to the Premier League title race and a visit to face Fulham on Sunday.

“Firstly credit score to Atalanta. Final week we had been very poor and so they had an excellent recreation. They deserved to undergo as a result of we made it far too tough for ourselves,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk mirrored to TNT Sports activities.

“Tonight was an excellent recreation and we confirmed nice battle. It was an enchancment however the actuality is we’re out and we’ve to in a short time get well and journey to London on Saturday.

“We tried and we had alternatives. At instances we wished it too shortly as everybody was eager to get the second and third. However total it isn’t sufficient.

“We’re upset to be out of the competitors as we actually wished to win it.”

Liverpool will goal to get their fortunes again on monitor at Fulham this weekend, with the Reds two factors behind Manchester Metropolis within the title race. Van Dijk stated his aspect will attempt to take the positives from a win at Atalanta.

“We received tonight and we stored a clear sheet, so there are such a lot of extra positives we will take. Sure, it’s a dangerous feeling to be out so we’ve to get again up.

“We have now been via tough moments all collectively, so displaying maturity and togetherness is the important thing to this. And professionalism to be prepared for Sunday as that may also be a troublesome recreation. All of us have a accountability to be prepared for it bodily and mentally.

“We’d like everybody now for the final push within the league. Hopefully our followers can be there as a result of we’d like them now greater than ever as a result of something continues to be attainable.”

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