JAKARTA - Liverpool had to accept the embarrassing result in the fourth Group D match of the Champions League which took place on Wednesday local time (Thursday WIB). They were defeated by Atalanta at Anfield stadium with a score of 2-0.
Atalanta's two winning goals were recorded by Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens, which made the map for the final 16 Champions League Group D tickets tighter, according to Antara's notes on the official UEFA website.
Even though they lost, Liverpool remained in first position, but their distance was cut short and only two points adrift of both Ajax and Atalanta who collected seven points.
Jurgen Klopp's bold decision was taken in determining the 11 players. Neco Williams and Rhys Williams were given complete confidence guarding Liverpool's back line from the start of the match. Their installation was also inseparable from the wave of injuries to the Reds.
Kostas Tsimikas was also deployed from the start of the match to give breath to Andy Robertson who has performed well in the domestic league. Likewise with Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino who were rested, instead Klopp installed Salah who recovered from COVID-19 and Origi accompanied Mane on the front lines.
During the first half, Atalanta often dictated Liverpool's young players at the back by launching waves of attack. Joel Matip, who became a tutor for Nico and Rhys, succeeded in making them appear disciplined throughout the first half.
Atalanta, who dominated the game, seemed to have difficulty penetrating the Liverpool penalty box, even the ball was often blocked before arriving in front of Alisson Becker.
Even so with the hosts who also had difficulty penetrating the Atalanta line. The only dangerous chance for Liverpool was created through the feet of Mohamed Salah, unfortunately his right foot shot was still soaring over Pierluigi Gollini's crossbar.
The second half, Liverpool and Atalanta still did not reduce the tempo of the game. The two of them are still playing a quick leg-to-foot game.
The hosts trailed 1-0 in the 60th minute after Josip Ilicic successfully completed Alejandro Gomez's mature cross on the left. Alisson could not stop the ball from his cheat.
Liverpool then made massive changes by including Diogo Jota, Firmino, Fabinho and Andy Robertson. Instead of equalizing, they had to get the ball back from the net four minutes after the first goal.
Robin Gossens who stood without escort received Hateboer's pass and immediately finished it with ease.
The entry of Firmino and Jota made the flow of the ball on the Liverpool front lines even more threatening. However, the Atalanta defender also dictated this condition, who could be disciplined. Until the game broke up the score was 2-0 for Atalanta's victory over Liverpool.
In the following week Liverpool will host Ajax at Anfield, while Atalanta will have guests Midtjylland.
The composition of players:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Neco Williams, Rhys Williams, Joel Matip (Minamino), Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson); Curtis Jones, Georginio Wijnaldum (Fabinho), James Milner; Mohamed Salah (Firmino), Divock Origi (Diogo Jota), Sadio Mane
Coach: Juergen Klopp
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Pierluigi Gollini; Rafael Toloi, Cristian Romero, Berat Djimsiti; Hans Hateboer, Marten de Roon, Remo Freuler, Robin Gosens (Johan Mojica); Josip Ilicic (Duvan Zapata), Matteo Pessina (Miranchuk); Alejandro Gomez
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
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