Can Liverpool turn it around against Atalanta in the second leg of the Europa League Quarter-final?

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool need a miracle against Atalanta in the second leg of the Uefa Europa League Quarter-Final to turn things around and book the semi-final spot. Atalanta thrashed the Reds by 3-0 in the first leg at Anfield, Liverpool's fortress and are high on confidence before taking on them at home this time. Klopp's men have done it quite a few times but it is not possible every time, especially in Europe. 

After being humbled 3-0 at Camp Nou by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Barcelona, Klopp’s men out-comebacked the kings of the remontada themselves with a stunning 4-0 victory to reach the Champions League final.

This time it will be more difficult as they have to make the comeback in a away hostile condition.

Read Also: Daniele De Rossi to stay as AS Roma coach permanently

Liverpool's recent second-leg record in Europe after losing the first-leg

Since the German tactician arrived at the club in October 2015, Liverpool have lost the first leg of a European tie on five occasions. In only two of those have they found a way to prevail and not in any of their last three attempts. In last season’s UCL round of 16, they never recovered from conceding five goals at home to Real Madrid and lost the return game in Spain.

The same opponents successfully defended a 3-1 first-leg lead in the 2020-21 quarter-finals, too. In 2020, Liverpool almost pulled it off against Atletico Madrid after playing a 1-1 tie in the home leg. Then they collapsed in extra time as Diego Simeone’s men clinched a 4-2 victory on aggregate. 

In Klopp’s first season at Anfield, Liverpool overcame a first-leg deficit in Europe. They cancelled out a 1-0 loss in Spain to beat Villarreal 3-1 and reach the Europa League final.

Gasperini's side are confident to defend the lead but it is going to be one of the most important matches in Klopp's entire Liverpool career. It also can be his last match in Europe as a Liverpool manager but the German and the fans will be delighted if Liverpool makes a comeback and qualify for the Semi-final. 

Jurgen Klopp announced in January that he is tired and leaving the club after the end of this season. Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and are still in the race for the Premier League title. They were playing brilliantly in the FA Cup too but Manchester United knocked them out of the competition.

They are coming into this second leg after two consecutive home losses and a loss in Italy will be most likely the final nail in the coffin. Liverpool's Premier League title hopes can also demise after the Europa League exit. So, making a comeback in Italy is going to be a very important job for Liverpool and they have quality and experience in their team to make it possible.

Injuries and Availabilities:

Conor Bradley will be sidelined until early May with the injury he suffered during last weekend's match against Crystal Palace. Stefan Bajcetic made a return to the bench against Atalanta last week but he is not in the squad for this leg.

Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, and Ben Doak are all still missing and are expected to miss the rest of the season. Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are back in the squad and are available for selection. 

Mohamed Salah needs to start this game and will have to improve as he missed a few chances in the first leg. Darwin Nunez has missed the most number of golden chances in front of goal this season in Europe's top five league, a horrible record to hold upon and the Uruguayan would very much like to change it.

Liverpool will have to go full attacking mode but at the same time, the defence has to stay awake as Atalanta can and have hurt Liverpool in the counter. 

Virgil Van Dijk didn't have a great game at Anfield so he will have to lead the side from the front and he is going to play a very important role in the second leg.

"Let’s start with a much better performance, let's try to win the game and then we will see."

Jürgen Klopp pre-Atalanta press conference 🗣️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 17, 2024

Atalanta vs Liverpool: Streaming details

Football fans from India can watch the Atalanta vs Liverpool Europa League Quarter-final second-leg match on Sony Network. The match will be streamed on Sony LIV website and app as well.