Liverpool Stunned By Atalanta In Europa League
Klopp's Team Handed Heavy First-Leg Defeat
Reds Must Overcome Three-Goal Deficit In Bergamo
Much-changed Liverpool were stunned by Serie A's sixth-placed side Atalanta at Anfield as the Italians cruised to a 3-0 first-leg lead in their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Curtis Jones created Liverpool's best chance when he sent Nunez through on goal in the first half, but the Uruguayan striker fired wide.
Atalanta took the lead against the run of play when Josip Ilicic scored a stunning goal from 25 yards out.
The visitors doubled their lead shortly after half-time when Duvan Zapata headed home from a corner.
Luis Muriel added a third for Atalanta in the 62nd minute, finishing off a fine team move.
The second leg in Bergamo looks a formality, with Liverpool needing to score four goals to progress.
Liverpool's Europa League hopes have been left hanging by a thread after a shock 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the first leg of the sides' quarter-final tie.
Liverpool is back in European action on Thursday night when Atalanta makes the visit to Anfield.
The Reds remain in the hunt for the treble, and the Europa League final could turn out to be their best chance of silverware this season.
However, Liverpool's 3-0 home defeat by Atalanta in the Europa League was their worst performance under Jurgen Klopp, says former Reds defender Stephen Warnock.
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