Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1) – Europa League: Live score, team news and latest updates as Mo Salah reduces deficit inside 10 minutes… while West Ham pull one back
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
They have to be careful though, Liverpool!
Atalanta are still proving a handful on the counter-attack and Aleksei Miranchuk is once again involved, sliding an effort just wide of the post.
This is proving an interesting battle so far!
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool seem really calm at this moment in time, they aren’t rushing to find a second yet.
It seems the Reds are comfortable just keeping the ball and waiting for the right time to strike.
CHANCE! West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
West Ham are causing Bayer Leverkusen all sorts of problems.
Michail Antonio is dominating in the air and once again he rises highest to get his head onto a James Ward-Prowse cross, but it doesn’t trouble Matej Kovar.
There is a real feeling inside the London Stadium that the Hammers can do this.
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Atalanta are starting to grow into the game after an early setback.
Liverpool give the ball away in their own half and the hosts nearly make them pay as Gianluca Scamacca plays a lovely ball in behind to Aleksei Miranchuk.
However, Miranchuk can’t reach it and Alisson comes out to gather. Liverpool can’t give Atalanta opportunities like that.
West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium:
The London stadium erupted after that goal, Leverkusen look as if they are still feeling the effects from their celebrations at the weekend. Xabi Alonso is trying to rally his players on the touchline. Meanwhile, Bowen is having a word with the referee after being clipped a couple of times by the opposition
GOAL!!! West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2) (Antonio 13′)
West Ham are back in the tie!
Jarrod Bowen has already made an impact, he swings in a delightful cross for Michail Antonio to head home.
It was a brilliant goal, and the London Stadium goes bananas!
They couldn’t, could they?
BIG SAVE! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool have started so brightly and Luis Diaz comes very close to doubling their lead.
The Colombian attacker is slipped through one-on-one, but the keeper does well to rush out and deny him.
Dominik Szoboszlai then has a go from distance but it doesn’t cause any problems.
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
That’s exactly what Liverpool needed. You felt like a fast start was necessary if they were going to overturn the deficit and they’ve done just that. Now it’s about building on that – they certainly look up for it and Atalanta’s passing has been wayward and nervy.
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
The Liverpool fans are enjoying themselves after that goal, they are in fine voice in their tiny corner.
Atalanta already look nervous, they are backing off the Reds, letting them come at them.
If Liverpool can get another soon, it will really be on.
GOAL!!! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1) (Salah 7′)
Mo Salah buries it!
The Liverpool number 11 makes no mistake from the spot, burning the ball into the bottom right-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Jurgen Klopp could not have wished for a better start, but the players mean business, no celebrations.
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
Liverpool have a spot-kick within five minutes!
In their first attack, Trent Alexander-Arnold fires a cross straight into the arm of Matteo Ruggeri.
What an opportunity for Mo Salah to get Liverpool off to a perfect start.
Atalanta 0-0 Liverpool (agg 3-0)
Atalanta are once again pressing Liverpool like their lives depend on it.
Virgi van Dijk nearly gives the ball away under pressure by the corner flag, before Alisson is forced to hoof it away.
The hosts look up for it once again.
KICK-OFF!
Well, then, here we go!
We are underway in both London and Atalanta with both English sides needing a minor miracle.
Can Liverpool and West Ham pull off the improbable?
Here come the teams!
Wow, what a sight the stadium is right now.
The stands are covered with a mix of white, black, and blue flags, while the noise is bubbling.
Now it’s time for the Europa League music, which isn’t quite as good as the Champions League anthem, but it’s miles better than the Premier League’s.
The Atalanta fans are in fine voice.
Time for Salah to return to form?
There is no question that Mo Salah is an exceptional player, but he has been struggling of late.
Ever since he returned from injury, the ‘Egyptian King’ hasn’t quite looked right, and that was epitomised by his performance against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool could do with him putting in a shift this evening.
Meanwhile in Lille…
Aston Villa have forced extra-time, and they were the team in the ascendency as the 90 minutes came to a close.
Matty Cash was the man for the big occasion, slamming home into an open net to force the extra 30 minutes.
If you want to follow along, click below:
Lille vs Aston Villa – Europa Conference League: Live score, updates
‘Fans need to get behind Irons’
Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium:
The home crowd are going to have a big role to play. They need to get behind their team from the start and try and create a big atmosphere for their players to thrive off.
Warm-ups underway in Bergamo
Wow, Bergamo is looking picturesque this evening!
Both sets of players are now going through their final preparations before kick-off, with Liverpool wearing their classic red strip.
We are just 20 minutes from kick-off, how are you feeling Liverpool fans?
Gary McAllister: ‘You can never say never with Liverpool’
Gary McAllister, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT sports:
They were poor against Atalanta. I thought they played quite well against Palace. They just weren’t clinical in front of goal.Their record of coming back after conceding an early goal is remarkable but it’s not a position you want to be in. You can’t just keep relying on coming back from conceding a goal. It’s an elite club that has got an amazing record across the two European trophies. You can never say never with Liverpool. Under Klopp as well, they’re not going to give it up. They need to defend better. As much as they need goals, they need a clean sheet.
Atmosphere building in London
The Bayer Leverkusen fans have converged on the London Stadium, they are well up for it tonight.
I’m sure the majority of them are still on cloud nine after winning their first-ever league title the other day.
Another incredible day out for them.
Scene is set!
The sun is setting in Bergamo with the beautiful orange sky – a beautiful background for a big night.
Liverpool have checked out the pitch, they look focused for the night ahead, they will be desperate not to take another loss.
You can see the Liverpool fans are ready in their little corner too…
Peter Crouch: ‘It’s a huge ask for Liverpool to go through’
Peter Crouch, former Liverpool striker, speaking on TNT Sports:
It’s difficult to put your finger on it [Liverpool’s issues]. The Palace one we didn’t see coming. Atalanta were the better side. There’s one thing losing that one but you expected a reaction at Anfield against Crystal Palace but it wasn’t there. They did have chances, gilt-edged chances, on another day they’d score three or four. But Palace did a job on them and it was unexpected.The most important thing is bouncing back from the last two results. You need a performance tonight and to win the game. It’s a huge ask for them to go through. But when you watch those clips of comebacks over the years [maybe they can]. I came here thinking no chance, and then you watch these comebacks and start thinking about the history of the club and in Europe, maybe they can.
Aston Villa heading out of UECL… as it stands
Aston Villa’s night is not going to plan.
Lille’s captain, Benjamin Andre, has just fired Lille two nil up in the second leg, meaning the Villans are 3-2 down on aggregate.
They have just under 20 minutes to turn it back around.
To follow the live blog, click below:
Lille vs Aston Villa – Europa Conference League: Live score, updates
In form Scamacca
Liverpool have already felt the wrath of Gianluca Scamacca once, and he is certainly a man in form.
Including his brace in the first leg, Scamacca has scored in his last four Europa League appearances. This is the longest-ever scoring run by an Atalanta player in Europe.
Can he inflict more damage on the Reds tonight?
Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod’
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
Jurgen Klopp has gone very strong so it’s clearly a case of win or bust for Liverpool. It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod over misfiring Darwin Nunez up top.It’s also a big night for Trent Alexander-Arnold in his first start for two months. The midfield is very attacking, so it’s evident the Reds are not willing to go down without a fight.
Atalanta Starting XI – TWO changes
Atalanta make just the two changes from last week’s demolition job, as Sead Kolasinac, formerly of Arsenal, and Aleksei Miranchuk replace Mario Pasalic and Charles De Ketelaere.
Ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who netted a brace at Anfield, keeps his place.
TAA’s first start in two months
All eyes will be on this man tonight.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was having an exceptional season before injuries took hold of him early in 2024.
Well, after two months out of the side, and two substitute appearances, Aolexander-Arnold is back in from the start.
I can’t wait to see those 60-yard passes, they are a delight!
Bayer Leverkusen Team News – THREE changes
The new German champions have named their first 11 since being crowned Bundesliga winners.
Xabi Alonso has made three changes from the first leg, with Nathan Tella one of those coming in.
The question is, have these players got over their hangovers yet?
West Ham Team News – Bowen STARTS
There we go then, Jarrod Bowen is thrown straight back into the starting 11.
David Moyes has made three changes to the side that lost the first leg, with Edson Alvarez and Nayef Aguerd coming into the side.
Lucas Paqueta is unavailable due to suspension.
Liverpool Team News – Gakpo STARTS
Jurgen Klopp is not holding back.
The Reds’ boss has made three changes to the side that fell to a 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, with Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai all coming into the starting 11.
It’s Alexander-Arnold’s first start for Liverpool since Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley on 10 February.
Gian Piero Gasperini: ‘It is one of the most important games in our history’
Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta manager, speaking on Monday:
I expect the best Liverpool possible, with a team that will come here to play all its chances. We will have to play a great game to get a result.We know that it will be one of the most important games in our history, if not the most important. But these are things that are said on the eve of the game, then comes the moment when we will have to know how to isolate ourselves.
Is Bowen fit?
How does that song go by Bonnie Tyler again? I need a hero…
West Ham certainly need one tonight and they may be in luck as top-scorer Jarrod Bowen may be returning to the fray after injury, as he has been seen arriving at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have really missed his presence up since his injury against Wolves, they didn’t score in either of the two games he was out.
Well, David Moyes is hopeful he will be ready tonight after he returned to training this week.
Can Bowen be the man to turn things around for the Irons?
Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s over when it’s over’
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, speaking on Wednesday:
I’m long enough in this business to know that it’s two legs. It’s over when it’s over. We are allowed to play tomorrow which means it has our 1,000% focus. We are only here for one reason.I remember that I said, ‘if we fail, let’s do it in the most beautiful way’ – and that’s exactly how I see it again. We want to win the game but if we want to win then we’d better play good. If you play good then we have a chance to win it. We will see.
Away end in Bergamo
This is where around 900 Liverpool fans will be situated tonight.
It looks like one of those dodgy stands at an athletics track you get taken to for a school competition.
Surprising considering the stadium only got renovated in 2018…
They’ve been here before…
You know exactly what I am about to talk about.
This is not Liverpool’s first rodeo, they are notorious for their European comebacks, with that night in Istanbul back in 2005 (you know the one), topping the lot.
However, when asked about a Reds comeback in Europe, there is another that sticks in everybody’s mind – the 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield in 2019.
Liverpool had no hope, 3-0 down after the first leg of a Champions League final, which some would say was unlucky, against one of Europe’s best sides led by the almighty Lionel Messi.
Nobody gave them a chance. However, they believed, and one of the greatest comebacks in European history was born.
Jurgen Klopp’s side went on to win their sixth Champions League title that year, it was the start of a spectacular few years under Jurgen Klopp.
How they will need another one of those performances tonight.
Odds stacked against Irons
Bayer Leverkusen are a machine.
Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, they have gone 44 matches unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, they simply don’t look like losing.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches, winning eight of them. Only from September 1986 to April 1988 have they enjoyed a longer such run in a major European competition, which was 14 games.
After wrapping up the Bundesliga at the weekend, Alonso and Co have their eyes set on European glory.
West Ham could be in for a long night…
History against Liverpool
You know a task is hard when it’s never been done before.
If Liverpool are to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals, they are going to have to do something that no one has managed before in the competition.
In Europa League history, on 132 occasions the away side has won the first leg of a two-legged tie by three or more goals. Never have any of those leads been overturned.
The Reds are going to have to create history if they want to make the last four.
Mountain to climb for Hammers
As Whitney Houston said, there ain’t no mountain high enough.
West Have have an improbable task in front of them tonight, but that doesn’t mean they can surprise the footballing world.
The Hammers are certainly up against it, turning a 2-0 deficit around against the most in-form side in Europe, Bayer Leverkusen, who are yet to lose a game in all competitions, is extremely unlikely.
However, the players can’t think like that. The Hammers will have the benefit of a home crowd unlike their English counterparts Liverpool, which will be a huge help.
Can they put the cat amongst the pigeons?
Big task for Reds in Bergamo
It’s plain and simple, the Reds have a mammoth assignment in front of them tonight.
When the Reds took to the Anfield turf last week to face a side sixth in Serie A, no one could have foreseen the events that would unfold.
Liverpool hadn’t lost in 14 months at home, but that soon changed. They weren’t just beaten by Atalanta, they were battered while not being able to throw any counter-punches.
Fast forward three days and the Anfield crowd were left stunned once again when Eberechi Eze of Crystal dealt a huge blow to their title hopes, inflicting a second defeat on the Reds within a week.
Tonight is the chance for Liverpool to bounce back. Even if they aren’t to qualify tonight, a win would do them a huge amount of good for their domestic challenge.
The odds are certainly not in their favour, Atalanta showed their quality last week, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were to cause Liverpool more pain again.
But if anybody can turn this tie around, Liverpool can.
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