Liverpool faces an uphill battle as they aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.
Match Preview
Despite dominating possession with 71% and attempting 19 shots in the first leg, Jurgen Klopp’s team couldn’t capitalize, allowing Atalanta to seize the opportunity.
Will Thursday witness a repetition of the first leg? Or can Liverpool stage another remarkable European comeback?
Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca, formerly of West Ham United, netted twice at Anfield, with Mario Pasalic adding another goal late in the match.
On Monday, Scamacca scored again as Atalanta took a 2-0 lead against Hellas Verona within 18 minutes, but eventually settled for a 2-2 draw after conceding twice in the second half.
In recent weeks, Atalanta’s performance has been inconsistent, with three wins, three draws, and two losses in their last eight matches across all competitions.
However, they remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season, winning six matches and drawing three, with two clean sheets in their four home games.
Liverpool’s week worsened as they suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday, despite controlling the game with 70% possession and 21 shots.
Having failed to win any of their last three matches across all competitions, including a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, Liverpool’s form is concerning.
Moreover, they lost two of their previous three away games in the Europa League, experiencing defeats against Toulouse and Union SG.
Nevertheless, Liverpool has scored 11 goals in four Europa League away matches this season, averaging 2.8 goals per game, providing hope for a turnaround on Thursday.
Head-to-Head:
Atalanta and Liverpool have met three times, with Atalanta securing clean-sheet victories on two occasions.
However, Liverpool notably won 5-0 against Atalanta in Bergamo in 2020.
Team News & Updates:
Atalanta’s Jose Luis Palomino and Giorgio Scalvini are doubtful due to recent injuries.
Liverpool will miss Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara due to injury, with Ben Doak also uncertain.
Prediction & Analysis:
With Atalanta’s home advantage and Liverpool’s formidable away record in the Europa League, a high-scoring draw seems likely.
Considering their first-leg dominance, Atalanta is poised to advance to the semi-finals, maintaining their impressive run in the competition.
- Atalanta 2-2 Liverpool
