Gianluca Scamacca delivered a double blow as Atalanta stunned Liverpool with a resounding 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals at Anfield on Thursday.
The defeat dealt a blow to Liverpool’s aspirations of securing a treble of trophies in what is manager Jurgen Klopp’s final season.
Former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca found the net twice, with ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic adding a late third goal, leaving the Italians in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Bergamo next Thursday.
Scamacca broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error as Caoimhin Kelleher allowed his low drive to slip beneath him.
Liverpool had their chances, with Darwin Nunez squandering two significant opportunities and Harvey Elliott’s curling effort striking the bar before bouncing onto the post.
Despite a valiant effort from Mohamed Salah, who came off the bench and forced an excellent save from Atalanta keeper Juan Musso, the Reds lacked their usual intensity and urgency.
Scamacca extended Atalanta’s lead in the 60th minute with a clinical finish, taking advantage of being left unmarked.
Pasalic sealed the victory for Atalanta in the 83rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Kelleher’s initial save from Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
The winner of the tie will face Benfica or Marseille in the semi-finals, with Benfica holding a 2-1 advantage after the first leg.
