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    Luis Suarez may return for Bayern Munich clash after positive Covid test, reveals Atleti boss Diego Simeone

    LUIS SUAREZ could play in Atletico Madrid’s Euro crunch with Bayern Munich tonight if he tests negative for coronavirus.
    The Uruguay striker has missed Atleti’s last three games – including a Barcelona showdown – and tested positive again on Sunday.

    Luis Suarez could play against Bayern Munich – Diego Simeone revealedCredit: AFP

    But Atleti boss Diego Simeone reckons the striker, 33, could play against the reigning Champions League winners.
    Simeone said: “He feels good, he really wants to be back with the boys.
    “The most important thing is that he returns a negative test. If he can’t play tomorrow, he’ll play on Saturday.
    “This virus is strange. If he comes back negative tomorrow, he could play for us. He just wants to help the side.”

    Atletico are second in Group A on five points and a win would go a long way to sealing their place in the knockout stage.
    Bayern have already qualified and have left both captain Manuel Neuer and top scorer Robert Lewandowski out of the squad for the trip to the Spanish capital.
    The German side thrashed Atleti 4-0 when the sides met on match day one in October.
    And the Spanish side were held to draws by Lokomotiv Moscow twice in their last two matches, with their one group stage win coming against Salzburg.

    Atleti boss Diego Simeone said the Uruguay striker could return on Tuesday against the German powerhousesCredit: AFP

    Atletico Madrid face a crunch clash with Bayern Munich on TuesdayCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
    Simeone admitted: “We don’t have much margin for error after two draws, one win and a loss. We need to get a result tomorrow.
    “Whatever happens in the other game, we need to try and take the game in a direction that allows us to do them damage.
    “We’re playing against a Bayern side who play in a lot of competitions and they’ve shown that with their squad selection.

    “We’ll take on whoever they choose to play. They have a lot of goalscorers and that’s their big strength.”
    “Of course Suarez and Costa’s characteristics are those of forwards who can finish off chances the side might create.
    “We’ve got more goalscorers, though, and we need to use them as best we can.”

    Lionel Messi walks alone in Barcelona training after Luis Suarez exit leaving fans heartbroken More

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    Stephanie Frappart to make history by becoming first female Champions League referee in Juventus’ clash vs Dynamo Kiev

    FEMALE referee Stephanie Frappart will make history by becoming the first woman ever to take charge of a Champions League match.
    The French official will be in the middle for Juventus’ Group G clash with Dynamo Kiev in Turin next Wednesday.

    French referee Stephanie Frappart will become the first ever female to take charge of a Champions League matchCredit: Reuters

    The 36-year-old has led the way in female officiating since 2011 when she began refereeing men’s football in the French third division.
    Frappart has since taken charge of the Women’s World Cup final in 2019.
    And she also worked her way up through the leagues in France where she became the first woman ever to ref in Ligue 1 in April 2019.
    Frappart may be more well known to English fans after she was the whistler for Leicester’s game against Zorya Luhansk in October – her first Europa League game.

    And she also took charge of Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool in the 2019 Uefa Super Cup.
    After the game SunSport’s refereeing expert Mark Halsey heaped praise on Frappart’s performance.
    He said: “The men’s game moves faster and Frappart did not venture into wide areas too much.
    “But she got into good positions and let the game flow, playing some good advantages.

    Frappart previously took charge of Chelsea’s 2019 Uefa Super Cup defeat to Liverpool Credit: AP:Associated Press

    “Liverpool and Chelsea players helped by generally behaving, with Frappart authoritative when cautioning Cesar Azpilicueta for what appeared to be dissent.
    “She also got a key decision correct when she awarded an extra-time penalty to Chelsea for Adrian’s rash challenge on Tammy Abraham.
    “Frappart had got another big call spot on just five minutes in when waving away Reds penalty claims after Sadio Mane’s shot hit Andreas Christensen’s arm.”

    Abbey Clancy shaves off HALF of Peter Crouch’s moustache live on GMB despite ex-Liverpool star’s protests More

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    Anthony Martial leaves Man Utd training after just 11 minutes due to illness with striker a doubt for PSG clash

    ANTHONY MARTIAL was at the Manchester United training ground for just 11 minutes today.
    The French forward, 24, missed yesterday’s win at Southampton due to falling ill on Saturday and was forced to stay in the hotel during the match.

    Anthony Martial was at the Manchester United training ground for just 11 minutes on MondayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    He missed Sunday’s win over Southampton due to illness and is reportedly still under the weatherCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Ole Gunnar Solskaer said yesterday: “Anthony had to stay in the hotel, he got ill overnight and he is down here still.”
    And despite reporting at Carrington on Monday morning as preparations begin for Wednesday’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain, he was quickly on his way home again.
    Martial was snapped arriving at 9.59am but was pictured at 10.10am heading out.
    The Manchester Evening News reported he went straight back because he is still under the weather and therefore not fit to train.

    His team-mates Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard were among those also spotted as well as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward, who was chauffeured in.
    It means the former Monaco man remains a doubt for the Champions League tie at Old Trafford in midweek.
    After Cavani inspired a thrilling 3-2 comeback win at St Mary’s yesterday, Solskjaer will be hoping his good week continues.
    Avoiding defeat against Thomas Tuchel’s French champions will secure the Red Devils’ place in the knockout stages of the competition.

    David De Gea is due for a scan on Monday after injuring his knee at St Mary’sCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Edinson Cavani was the super-sub on the south coast as his two goals sealed a comeback winCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Marcus Rashford rocked up in his stunning Mercedez motorCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be preparing his side for the visit of PSG on WednesdayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    However, Solskjaer is sweating on the fitness of his fair share of players.
    As well as Martial, David De Gea and Alex Telles are also doubts for Wednesday after being forced off with knocks on the south coast.
    Discussing De Gea, who was replaced by Dean Henderson, boss Solskjaer said yesterday: “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.”
    Meanwhile Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay continue their recoveries from injuries and look set to be unavailable.
    Lastly, Donny van de Beek faces a race to be ready after getting a nasty swollen ankle following a challenge from Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Jesse Lingard has only featured in the League Cup so far this seasonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was driven into CarringtonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Harry Maguire will be looking to lead his team into the Champions League knockout stagesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Victor Lindelof is the first-choice centre-back partner for MaguireCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Phil Jones is still out injured but is not in the Champions League squad anywayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Nemanja Matic has enjoyed a strong start to the season at the base of the United midfieldCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

    Solskjaer raves about Cavani following his team’s 2-3 victory over Southampton More

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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.

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