Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd sweating on SIX players ahead of Champions League clash vs PSG after injuries to De Gea and Telles

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could be without SIX PLAYERS for their crunch Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
      The Red Devils came from two down to beat Southampton 3-2 in the Premier League on Sunday.

      David de Gea is a doubt for Manchester United’s clash with PSGCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Alex Telles is also a doubt for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty

      But that victory came at a cost, with goalkeeper David de Gea forced off at the break after colliding with the woodwork while Alex Telles limped off with an ‘issue’ late on.
      Anthony Martial travelled down to the South Coast but missed out after being taken ill.
      Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has been out of action with a hamstring problem, while Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay are only expected to return to training this week after missing the recent triumphs over Istanbul Basaksehir and Southampton.
      Discussing De Gea, who was replaced by Dean Henderson, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “It’s a knock just above the knee. So we’ll have a scan and check on him tomorrow.

      “Hopefully he can be ready for Wednesday but can’t promise anything now. Dean came on, very assured, had a couple of half-saves to make but he was tidy and safe with the ball at his feet.
      “Anthony had to stay in the hotel, he got ill overnight and he is down here still.
      “Paul and Scott hopefully can start training with us tomorrow.
      “Luke is out still, we’re not 100 per cent sure.”

      Solskjaer added: “Jesse [Lingard]’s back. Phil Jones is out {and also ineligible].
      “David – I don’t know how he’ll react to his knock and bang.
      “Alex had an issue towards the end but hopefully won’t be too bad.”
      United only need one point from their final two Champions League games to reach the knockouts.
      PSG head to Old Trafford this week before the trip to RB Leipzig for the final group match.
      A draw in both games will see United top the group, but defeats in both clashes could see PSG and Leipzig qualify at the Red Devils’ expense.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Wayne Rooney reveals he was keen to swap Manchester United for Barcelona in 2010 More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arturo Vidal’s X-rated rant at Anthony Taylor which saw Inter Milan star sent off revealed with ace set to be fined

      by

      ARTURO VIDAL fumed at Anthony Taylor for not going to the VAR screen as he was sent off against Real Madrid.
      Los Blancos walked away from the Giuseppe Meazza with a 2-0 win on Wednesday, thanks in part to the Chilean’s dismissal.

      Arturo Vidal reacted angrily to not winning a penalty against Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Barcelona star told Anthony Taylor to check VAR in a furious tiradeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      After half an hour of the Champions League tie, and with Real a goal up, Vidal claimed a penalty.
      Raphael Varane felled the midfielder but replays suggested he had successfully nicked the ball with his tackle.
      The Premier League referee remained unmoved and was swamped by Inter players as the ball soon went out of play, before Vidal arrived on the scene.
      According to Gol TV, via Marca, Vidal exclaimed: “You have the s*** on VAR to look at and still nothing.”

      Taylor, 42, waved his finger at the six stars in his face and booked Vidal.
      The 33-year-old initially appeared surprised by the card before pushing aside two team-mates to square up to the official.

      Premier League ref Taylor booked the midfielder twice in ten secondsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Vidal shot the official a dirty look as he left the pitch – before Inter lost 2-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In amazing scenes, Taylor stepped back and stared the player down before brandishing the yellow again, sending him off.
      La Gazzetta dello Sport report on Inter planning to fine Vidal for the incident.

      The club are said to be increasingly concerned with the veteran’s performances since his summer arrival from Barcelona.

      And it is not only Vidal under pressure, with a strong eye also on Antonio Conte.
      The coach takes his side to high-flying Sassuolo on Sunday with Inter sat fifth in a seemingly open title race.
      After the defeat to Madrid, the Nerazzurri are also on the brink in Europe – stuck five points back from Real in Group B’s final qualification spot.

      Christian Eriksen shows off his goal scoring skills in Inter Milan training More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Kurt Zouma gave two minute tactics talk to rival player Eduardo Camavinga after win over Rennes

      by

      KURT ZOUMA gave a two minute tactic talk to Eduardo Camavinga following Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Rennes.
      The Frenchmen faced each other in Tuesday’s Champions League tie, with a 91st minute header from compatriot Olivier Giroud securing Chelsea’s place in the knockout rounds.

      Kurt Zouma gave Eduardo Camavinga some tactical tips after Chelesa’s 2-1 win over Rennes

      But at full-time, Zouma approached Camavinga on the field to give the 18-year-old midfielder some tips on defending.
      Centre-back Zouma, 26, has been a rock at the back for the Blues this season after forming a partnership with Thiago Silva.
      And he made sure to give some useful information to highly-rated Camavinga before flying back to London.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      According to RMC, Zouma said: “Sometimes you have to swing when you’re behind. We do it sometimes.
      “When there is pressure, you lose the ball and a goal. Every time it’s like this. It happened against PSG too.”
      Indeed, should Camavinga be able to improve the defensive side of his game, he could earn a lucrative transfer next summer after catching the eye of Europe’s elite.
      Manchester United are said to be huge fans of the wonderkid.

      Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also looking at Camavinga, who has already made 54 senior appearances for Rennes.

      The youngster, who has also won three senior France caps, is valued at a whopping £62million by his club.
      But Camavinga looks to be preparing for an exit sooner rather than later.
      Reports claim he has sacked his agent in order to land a representative with higher standing in the football world.
      Jorge Mendes, who represents Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale’s Jonathan Barnett and Pini Zahavi, who was behind Neymar’s world-record £200m move to PSG, are all said to be interested.

      Chelsea fans in hysterics as Joe Cole tells Frank Lampard to give players a ‘smacked bum’ at half-time vs Rennes More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Champions League clash vs PSG set to be played behind closed doors despite lockdown end, hints mayor Burnham

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Euro showdown with PSG looks set to be played behind closed doors, the city’s mayor hinted.
      The Champions League clash takes place on December 2 – the day when footy fans are allowed to return to stadiums for the first time since March.

      Manchester United’s clash with PSG next week is likely to be behind closed doorsCredit: Getty Images

      Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the city will likely be in tier 3 after lockdown – meaning no fans are allowedCredit: Rex Features

      But turnstiles reopening will depend what tier the region is in given the latest coronavirus rates.
      Manchester was in the top tier 3 before England’s national lockdown and mayor Andy Burnham thinks that’s likely to be the case again from next week.
      The new tiers are expected to be announced by the government today – with 4,000 fans allowed in tier one areas, 2,000 in tier two regions and zero in tier three.
      Burnham said: “We have certainly made the argument that it’s a very different picture if you have high numbers on a rapidly falling trend than slightly lower numbers on a rapidly rising trend.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      “That said I think it’s more likely than not that the government will put us in Tier 3 given the statements that ministers have made about the majority of (regions) being disappointed and practically nobody being in Tier 1.
      “I think they’re giving a quite clear street that they’re going to err on the side of caution.
      “But if (the drop in infection rates) continue in this direction at the rate at which we’re seeing, I would want to ask the government for a serious review of Greater Manchester’s position.”

      Manchester reported some of the highest Covid rates in the country.

      Manchester United thrashed Istanbul to move one point away from the Champions League knockout stagesCredit: Getty Images

      In the last week they have fallen from 432.4 cases per 100,000 people to 291.7, but that’s still above the national average.
      A Manchester United spokesperson said: “We welcome today’s announcement from the Government and we reiterate that we are ready to welcome fans back to Old Trafford as soon as it is safe to do so.
      “We will now work through the detail of the plan with the relevant authorities and await the announcement on the local restriction levels.”
      Manchester United need just a point from their last two games to reach the knockout stages.

      How many fans each Premier League club will be allowed based on October tiers
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men thrashed Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 on Tuesday and have PSG at home and Leipzig away to finish their group stage.
      Old Trafford chiefs last month plotted a way to bring back 23,500 fans safely.
      Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: “We spent around two months working with the government guidelines to develop the right processes and measures.
      “That’s to make sure we can have around 23,500 people in the stadium safely at social distancing.

      “I guess sometimes it’s quite amusing to understand why people can gather in other settings such as in an aeroplane, restaurant or even in a cinema.
      “But we know we’ve got the plans and the processes ready to deliver match day here safely.”
      Manchester United boss Solskjaer previously said the team were lacking an X-Factor without fans.
      Solskjaer said: “We’ve had four home games in the league. The first one we didn’t have any preparation and Palace deserved it.

      “Then Anthony Martial did not deserve to be sent off against Tottenham but, after he was, they deserved the win.
      “Then both the Chelsea and Arsenal games were very tight and if we had our fans they might have sparked that little extra X-Factor we needed.
      “It’s a different sensation playing in front of the Stretford End without fans, they usually score a goal for us.”

      Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s win over Istanbul Basaksehir More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool 0 Atalanta 2 LIVE REACTION: Reds beaten as Ilicic and Gosens keep Champions League knockout dream alive

      by

      LIVERPOOL crashed to Champions League defeat at Anfield as Atalanta took revenge for their 5-0 mauling in Italy.
      Final score: Liverpool 0-2 Atalanta
      Follow ALL the latest reaction with our live blog below…

      THAT’S ALL FROM ANFIELD
      Three weeks after being thumped 5-0 at home, Atalanta shocked Liverpool with a memorable 2-0 win in the reverse fixture at Anfield.
      It was an uncharacteristically lacklustre performance from Jurgen Klopp’s team, who failed to register a single shot on target at home in the Champions League for the first time since records began in 2003.
      The Liverpool boss made several changes to his team in the midst of a packed fixture schedule, but it failed to bring renewed energy to the Reds.
      On the day that the football world lost its greatest talent – Diego Maradona – Atalanta’s own Argentine number ten put in a performance worthy of tribute.
      Alejandro Gomez created both goals for his side; the first converted by Josip Ilicic, the second swept in by Robin Gosens following Hans Hateboer’s knock down.
      The result opens up Group D with two games remaining. Liverpool still lead the way, but both Ajax and Atalanta are hot on their heels.
      One more win will see Liverpool progress, but they will need to play much better than this to get it.
      Goodnight.

      KLOPP THAT
      Hot off the press, Joe Miles has filed his match report following Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League.

      KLOPP FRUSTRATED BY FIXTURE CONGESTION
      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been discussing his side’s lacklustre performance this evening, and how the busy schedule of fixtures is causing injuries and exhaustion within his squad.
      “It was not a good game, most of the time from both teams. Neither team created a lot until they scored their goals.
      “It’s a deserved defeat in a difficult game.
      “The ref brought a lot of tempo in the game, he didn’t whistle a lot and that makes it even more difficult in a period like this.
      “He just let the game run and it was an unbelievable tempo for the boys. You need breaks in the game and it didn’t happen.
      “We had moments but no real chances. I’m not surprised [at having no shots on target] and that makes it difficult to win games.
      “I think it could happen again, not only to us but other teams as well. [The TV broadcasters] ask us to now go and play at 12.30pm on Saturday and that is nearly a crime, to be honest.
      “My only interest at the moment is that I got thumbs up and nobody is injured. The boys are disappointed but we don’t have time for it.”

      LITTLE AND LARGE
      Atalanta’s number ten and captain, Alejandro Gomez, was the best player on this pitch tonight, and was a key figure in creating both goals for the Italians.
      Here he is celebrating with Josip Ilicic after putting a cross on a plate for the big Slovenian.

      REDS FIRE BLANKS
      Liverpool managed just four attempts on goal this evening (only one from an attacker) and failed to register a single one on target.

      0 – For the first time since Opta have shot data available in the Champions League (since 2003-04), Liverpool failed to record a single shot on target in a home game in the competition. Neutralised. pic.twitter.com/NEdXaF519J
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 25, 2020

      MILNER DISAPPOINTED BY DEFEAT
      Liverpool’s James Milner has spoken to the press after tonight’s 2-0 loss and admitted that his side failed to match Atalanta.
      “We know it was a poor performance. It was pretty flat and there were a lot of changes. We just never got going and it’s disappointing.
      “The schedule is busy and sometimes you have to try to get the win without being at your best and having the left you’d like. We didn’t do that tonight.
      “We didn’t create enough, we didn’t keep the ball enough and we just didn’t have the sharpness.”

      GASPERINI ALL SMILES
      Atalanta Head Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is unable to hide his delight at the final whistle after his team pulled off a famous win.

      Atalanta are the first team to beat Liverpool at Anfield in 90 minutes since Chelsea in September 2018.
      The result is Liverpool’s first loss in the Champions League group stage in over six years 🤯 pic.twitter.com/uCmvTA6Fq7
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 25, 2020

      HERE WE GO AGAIN
      The provincial Serie A club are delighted by the historic outcome of tonight’s match at Anfield.

      REDS STILL D-TERMINED
      Elsewhere in Group D this evening, Ajax defeated Midtjylland 3-1 to open up the table. Defeat to Ajax on Matchday 5 could see Liverpool drop out of the top two, but providing they at least win in Denmark in the final game, Jurgen Klopp’s men will progress to the next round.

      FT: LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      A disappointing night for Liverpool as Atalanta run out deserved winners at Anfield, just three weeks after the English side had won 5-0 the reverse fixture. Quickfire goals in the second half from Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens delays Liverpool’s qualification from Group D, and, in fact, leaves it finely poised for the final two games.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      90+2. Jota gives the ball away with Liverpool players having packed the penalty area. That sums up the home side’s night.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      90. The clock strikes 90 minutes at Anfield and Liverpool are no closer to finding a goal.
      There will be just two minutes of stoppage time left for the home side to…well, do anything.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      88. The visitors eat up a few more seconds.
      Substitute Mojica dribbles down the left wing and then lays a pass back for Djimsiti, who draws a free-kick from a tired Liverpool challenge.
      The Albanian defender earns the nearby applause of Mojica.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      86. Inside the final five minutes and this game looks up for Liverpool.
      Milner is still working his socks off in midfield, but – if anything – Atalanta look more likely to add a third on the counter attack.
      Perhaps the home side already have their minds on Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      85. A substitution apiece. Takumi Minamino is the last man on for Liverpool, replacing Joel Matip.
      For Atalanta, on comes Aleksei Miranchuk for Matteo Pessina.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      83. By the way, Liverpool are still yet to register an attempt on target in this game.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      82. At the other end, Zapata works himself a half chance by holding up play just inside the area.
      The sub manages to half-turn his man, but topples off balance and sends his shot high and wide.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      80. A typical Robertson cross is met by a superb defensive header from Romero that hits Firmino and rolls out for a goalkick.
      The 22-year-old Argentine defender, currently on a two-year loan from Juventus, has been very impressive tonight.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      78. A rare touch for Sadio Mane – but he’s quickly dispossessed.
      Somehow, the Senegalese forward has been even less effective in the second half than he was in the first.

      IN IT GOES FOR ILICIC
      Josip Ilicic steers Atalanta into the lead at Anfield.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      74. Another substitution for Atalanta, another Colombian introduction.
      Johan Mojica, on a season loan from Girona, is on for the other goalscorer, Robin Gosens.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      72. This is the first time Liverpool have fallen two goals behind in a Champions League since October 2014 when they lost 3-0 to Read Madrid.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      70. Rhys Williams gets his head on a deep free-kick sent into the box, but a defensive intervention diverts the ball back towards Gollini.
      Meanwhile, Duvan Zapata is on for scorer of the game’s first goal, Josip Ilicic.

      LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
      69. The corner is eventually dealt with, as is a free-kick from Milner a minute later.
      There’s certainly time available for the hosts if they can find a goal soon.

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan 0 Real Madrid 2 LIVE REACTION: Rodrygo and Hazard on target as Zidane’s men seal Champions League victory

      by

      INTER MILAN are still waiting for their first Champions League win of the season after defeat to Real Madrid.
      Final score: Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid
      Follow ALL the reaction with our blog below…

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening, don’t worry…there’s plenty more football to keep you entertained this week!

      HE HAZN’T LOST HIS TOUCH
      Eden Hazard bagged his first Champions League goal for Real Madrid this evening and was pleased that his side ground out a win.
      Speaking after the game, the forward said: “The team performed really well to assure ourselves of three very important points.
      “There are two group games left to win now and we need all the points we can get.
      “Scoring was important to me but far more important was winning.
      “I need more matches, more game time, to build my confidence and sharpness, but I did well tonight.”

      LEADING FROM THE BACK
      Speaking after the game, Real Madrid defender Raphaël Varane said: “It is clear that defensively we had to be good but the merit isn’t just the back line, it’s collective.
      “Now it’s important only to think about the next game and continue like this all season.”

      OUT FOR THE CONTE
      A picture that speaks a thousand words…
      Lukaku was taken off with a few minutes to spare; both he and his boss knew there was little that could be done to save the game.

      TABLE MANNERS
      Tonight’s match was due to be a blockbuster hit, but after an underwhelming start to their Champions League campaigns, the two European heavyweights found themselves occupying the bottom spots.
      Real Madrid’s win tonight propels them into second place, while Inter have a mountain to climb.

      REAL TALK
      A sense of normality resumes in Group B as Real Madrid move away from the danger area.
      But Inter Milan now find themselves in a precarious position.
      The Spanish side looked far superior from the off and came out on top with 62 per cent possession.

      FT: INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      91. Eriksen has yet to touch the ball, but as he tries to get ahead of Vini Jr he’s hauled to the floor.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      91. This will be Real Madrid’s first win in eight attempts at the San Siro.
      Heading into the last minute of stoppage time.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      90. Two additional minutes.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      89. Perisic makes a decent run down the left-wing, but as he attempts some Ronaldo-esque stepovers he’s stopped in his tracks by Varane.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      87. The 13 times Champions of Europe have reignited the competition in Group B.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      86. Lukaku is replaced by Eriksen; he scored three years ago today for Spurs against Real Madrid, will he manage anything in the remaining few minutes?

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      85. Booking for Sensi after a late tackle on Casemiro.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      83. Eriksen is still waiting on the touchline, as the ball hasn’t gone out of play.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      81. Inter have been penned right back and can’t seem to clear the ball from their box.
      Sensi plays it back to Handanovic from inside the six yard box and instead of clearing it he plays it to Young on the left.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      80. Eriksen is going to make a surprise appearance! He hasn’t come off the bench in the last three games.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      78. Vini Jr tries to make an immediate impact like Rodrygo did.
      On the left of the box, he dances around a defender, pushes the ball back on his right and tries to bend it in, but it’s wide.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      77. Substitution for Inter; Gagliardini is replaced by Sensi.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      76. Substitution; Vini Jr replaces Hazard.
      It’s been over a year since he’s played 90 minutes of club football, but he has managed his first Champions League goal for Real Madrid.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      75. Elsewhere in Europe, Liverpool have conceded two goals.
      While Bayern Munich are leading RB Salzburg three goals to one.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      72. Sanchez picks up a shot from Lukaku that hits Carvajal’s back and has a strike from the top of the box, but it can’t find it’s way through three compact Madrid defenders.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      70. Perisic has a shot with his left foot from the top right-hand corner of the box- he tries to curl it to the top left corner, but it goes just wide.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      69. Hazard pulls the ball just wide of the left post as he has a shot from the top of the box.
      He’s looking for a goal from open play to sit alongside his penalty.

      INTER MILAN 0-2 REAL MADRID
      68. The ball is chipped over the wall towards the far post where Lucas is waiting in isolation.
      He waits for the flight of the ball to drop and hits in on the volley with the side of his foot, but it ruffles the side of the net.

      Load more entries… More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Arturo Vidal lose the plot as he picks up two yellow cards in TEN SECONDS during Inter Milan’s loss to Real Madrid

      by

      ARTURO VIDAL lost the plot against old foes Real Madrid – picking up two yellow cards in ten seconds as Inter fell to defeat.
      The Italians came into the match knowing that defeat would put them on the brink of Champions League elimination at the group stage once again.

      Arturo Vidal was shown two yellow cards in ten seconds by Premier League ref Anthony TaylorCredit: EPA

      And former Barcelona man Vidal, 33, would have been even more up for it, knowing that he could get one over his old rivals.
      But the Chilean’s desire to win boiled over and cost his team dearly.
      Eden Hazard’s seventh minute penalty had given the Spanish champions the lead at San Siro.
      But Vidal felt that he should have had a spot kick of his own 26 minutes later, when he burst into the penalty area before hitting the deck.

      The midfielder was convinced Raphael Varane had brought him down unfairly as he lined up a shot.
      But replays showed that the Frenchman had nicked the ball, before having his own foot kicked by Vidal.
      Unmoved, referee Anthony Taylor decided to book Vidal for dissent.
      And this caused the former Juventus and Bayern star to lose the plot completely, getting into Taylor’s face.

      Vidal, 33, was convinced that he should have been awarded a penaltyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The English referee promptly booked Vidal again, for the second time in ten seconds, before pulling out the red and giving him his marching orders.
      Shell-shocked, Vidal initially refused to leave the pitch, before finally being ushered off the field of play.
      And the incident proved costly, as Inter failed to get back into the game.
      Things got worse in the 59th minute, when Rodrygo doubled Zinedine Zidane’s side’s lead.
      The defeat, coupled with Borussia Monchengladbach’s earlier 4-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, leaves Inter needing a miracle to qualify – as they sit five points behind second-placed Real Madrid with two games remaining.

      Real Madrid had been fired into the lead by Eden HazardCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Teen star Rodrygo made the points safe just before hour markCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal looks close to vomiting as Bayern Munich celebrate one of their eight goals More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool 0 Atalanta 2: Klopp’s men throw away chance to book spot in last 16 after conceding quickfire double

      by

      ALL the chopping and changing finally caught up with Jurgen Klopp.
      Liverpool delivered a sloppy, messy and lethargic performance against a team they hammered 5-0 three weeks earlier.

      Liverpool’s defence were put through their paces by AtalantaCredit: Reuters

      Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens scored twice inside four second-half minutes to seal a deserved triumph for the boys from Bergamo.
      Although the Italians will have been surprised by such a dismal display by their hosts.
      When you look at their impressive results since the 7-2 battering at Aston Villa — considering the bad luck Liverpool have suffered with injuries — they should be allowed the odd poor night.
      Klopp’s patched up team set a record of 64 matches unbeaten at home in the top-flight with a 3-0 win over Leicester, their best performance of the season.

      But their second worst display of the campaign – although not close to the shambles at Villa – means they still have a bit of work to do in the group.Losing one game is hardly a disaster and Liverpool will still go through.
      Two years ago, Klopp’s team lost all three of their away games in the group stages yet the season did not end up too badly.
      Yet they will still have to do better next week when Ajax come to Anfield and it would still be a shock if they are anywhere near as bad as last night, which proved to be their second home loss in three Champions League matches.
      When you consider what has been thrown at Klopp, defying this run of seemingly never-ending injuries could only go on so long.

      Josip Ilicic gave Atalanta the lead in the second halfCredit: Reuters

      Liverpool conceded two goals within the space of four minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ahead of the game, Klopp had just 16 outfield players at training and he was right to make the changes as this was also their second match in a manic 12-game spell over 41 days.
      There were starts for Nico and Rhys Williams, summer signing Costas Tsimikas, Divock Origi and Mo Salah, who had been self isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
      None of the players covered themselves in glory but the whole team played badly.
      After a poor first half, with just one notable attempt – from Atalanta – both managers, Klopp and Gian Piero Gasperino, looked slightly grumpy as they headed down the tunnel at the break.
      And with little changing in the second half, Klopp was about to make his mass changes with the quartet of Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Bobby Firmino all standing on the touchline to be introduced.
      Yet in a well-worked goal, Ilicic found too much space behind Tsimikas and he stuck out a leg to turn in a cross from Alejandro Gomez.
      Yet no sooner had Klopp made his changes then Liverpool conceded agai, with Gosens smashing a volley past Alisson after Hans Hateboer beat Andy Robertson to a header.
      Once again, the home defence was all over the place.
      For Gosens, it was a Merseyside double as he also scored in Atalanta’s 5-2 win at Everton in the Europa League three years ago this week.

      Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah in action against Remo FreulerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mohamed Salah was not able to inspire Liverpool to make a comeback Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Despite finishing fourth last season and having reached the Champions League quarter-finals, Atalanta have not been as effective this – as they proved in their 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool in Bergamo at the start of the month.
      It is worth remembering Atalanta’s wage bill last season was just £30million – the 13th highest in Serie A – and about £6m less than Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
      But they still had too much for Klopp, who will now be hoping for a much better performance against Brighton on Saturday lunchtime, even though theGerman has the hump with the kick-off time.
      But if there is a repeat performance – however unlikely – then Klopp could have a major problem.

      Jurgen Klopp shouted at his players from the sidelinesCredit: PA:Press Association

      The players pictured during a minute’s silence in memory of Diego MaradonaCredit: Reuters More