Atalanta vs Liverpool (agg 3-0) – Europa League: Live score, team news and latest updates for Atalanta vs Liverpool and West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen as Jurgen Klopp makes three changes

Atalanta vs Liverpool (agg 3-0) – Europa League: Live score, team news and latest updates for Atalanta vs Liverpool and West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen as Jurgen Klopp makes three changes

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Gary McAllister: ‘You can never say never with Liverpool’

Gary McAllister, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT sports:

They were poor against Atalanta. I thought they played quite well against Palace. They just weren’t clinical in front of goal.

Their record of coming back after conceding an early goal is remarkable but it’s not a position you want to be in. You can’t just keep relying on coming back from conceding a goal. It’s an elite club that has got an amazing record across the two European trophies.

You can never say never with Liverpool. Under Klopp as well, they’re not going to give it up. They need to defend better. As much as they need goals, they need a clean sheet.

Atmosphere building in London

The Bayer Leverkusen fans have converged on the London Stadium, they are well up for it tonight.

I’m sure the majority of them are still on cloud nine after winning their first-ever league title the other day.

Another incredible day out for them.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - West Ham United v Bayer Leverkusen - London Stadium, London, Britain - April 18, 2024 Bayer Leverkusen fans in the stands before the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/Shutterstock (14439428c) Bayer Leverkusen fans outside the London Stadium; London Stadium, London, England; Europa League Football, Quarter Final, Second Leg, West Ham United versus Bayer Leverkusen. West Ham United v Bayer 04 Leverkusen, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, Second Leg, Football, London Stadium, London, UK - 18 Apr 2024

Scene is set!

The sun is setting in Bergamo with the beautiful orange sky – a beautiful background for a big night.

Liverpool have checked out the pitch, they look focused for the night ahead, they will be desperate not to take another loss.

You can see the Liverpool fans are ready in their little corner too…

BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 18: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) General view of the Liverpool fans before the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final second leg match between Atalanta and Liverpool FC at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on April 18, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 18: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool FC looks on during his pitch inspection prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final second leg match between Atalanta and Liverpool FC at Gewiss Stadium on April 18, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Peter Crouch: ‘It’s a huge ask for Liverpool to go through’

Peter Crouch, former Liverpool striker, speaking on TNT Sports:

It’s difficult to put your finger on it [Liverpool’s issues]. The Palace one we didn’t see coming. Atalanta were the better side. There’s one thing losing that one but you expected a reaction at Anfield against Crystal Palace but it wasn’t there. They did have chances, gilt-edged chances, on another day they’d score three or four. But Palace did a job on them and it was unexpected.

The most important thing is bouncing back from the last two results. You need a performance tonight and to win the game. It’s a huge ask for them to go through. But when you watch those clips of comebacks over the years [maybe they can]. I came here thinking no chance, and then you watch these comebacks and start thinking about the history of the club and in Europe, maybe they can.

Aston Villa heading out of UECL… as it stands

Aston Villa’s night is not going to plan.

Lille’s captain, Benjamin Andre, has just fired Lille two nil up in the second leg, meaning the Villans are 3-2 down on aggregate.

They have just under 20 minutes to turn it back around.

To follow the live blog, click below:

In form Scamacca

Liverpool have already felt the wrath of Gianluca Scamacca once, and he is certainly a man in form.

Including his brace in the first leg, Scamacca has scored in his last four Europa League appearances. This is the longest-ever scoring run by an Atalanta player in Europe.

Can he inflict more damage on the Reds tonight?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Liverpool FC and Atalanta at Anfield on April 11, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod’

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:

Jurgen Klopp has gone very strong so it’s clearly a case of win or bust for Liverpool. It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod over misfiring Darwin Nunez up top.

It’s also a big night for Trent Alexander-Arnold in his first start for two months. The midfield is very attacking, so it’s evident the Reds are not willing to go down without a fight.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 14, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Atalanta Starting XI – TWO changes

Atalanta make just the two changes from last week’s demolition job, as Sead Kolasinac, formerly of Arsenal, and Aleksei Miranchuk replace Mario Pasalic and Charles De Ketelaere.

Ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who netted a brace at Anfield, keeps his place.

TAA’s first start in two months

All eyes will be on this man tonight.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was having an exceptional season before injuries took hold of him early in 2024.

Well, after two months out of the side, and two substitute appearances, Aolexander-Arnold is back in from the start.

I can’t wait to see those 60-yard passes, they are a delight!

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieran McManus/Shutterstock (14438415f) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool on the pitch ahead of kick off Atalanta v Liverpool, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, Second Leg, Football, Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy - 18 Apr 2024

Bayer Leverkusen Team News – THREE changes

The new German champions have named their first 11 since being crowned Bundesliga winners.

Xabi Alonso has made three changes from the first leg, with Nathan Tella one of those coming in.

The question is, have these players got over their hangovers yet?

West Ham Team News – Bowen STARTS

There we go then, Jarrod Bowen is thrown straight back into the starting 11.

David Moyes has made three changes to the side that lost the first leg, with Edson Alvarez and Nayef Aguerd coming into the side.

Lucas Paqueta is unavailable due to suspension.

Liverpool Team News – Gakpo STARTS

Jurgen Klopp is not holding back.

The Reds’ boss has made three changes to the side that fell to a 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, with Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai all coming into the starting 11.

It’s Alexander-Arnold’s first start for Liverpool since Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley on 10 February.

Gian Piero Gasperini: ‘It is one of the most important games in our history’

Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta manager, speaking on Monday:

I expect the best Liverpool possible, with a team that will come here to play all its chances. We will have to play a great game to get a result.

We know that it will be one of the most important games in our history, if not the most important. But these are things that are said on the eve of the game, then comes the moment when we will have to know how to isolate ourselves.

Is Bowen fit?

How does that song go by Bonnie Tyler again? I need a hero…

West Ham certainly need one tonight and they may be in luck as top-scorer Jarrod Bowen may be returning to the fray after injury, as he has been seen arriving at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have really missed his presence up since his injury against Wolves, they didn’t score in either of the two games he was out.

Well, David Moyes is hopeful he will be ready tonight after he returned to training this week.

Can Bowen be the man to turn things around for the Irons?

Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s over when it’s over’

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, speaking on Wednesday:

I’m long enough in this business to know that it’s two legs. It’s over when it’s over. We are allowed to play tomorrow which means it has our 1,000% focus. We are only here for one reason.

I remember that I said, ‘if we fail, let’s do it in the most beautiful way’ – and that’s exactly how I see it again. We want to win the game but if we want to win then we’d better play good. If you play good then we have a chance to win it. We will see.

BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 17: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool FC talks to the media during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 quarter-final second leg press conference at Gewiss Stadium on April 17, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Away end in Bergamo

This is where around 900 Liverpool fans will be situated tonight.

It looks like one of those dodgy stands at an athletics track you get taken to for a school competition.

Surprising considering the stadium only got renovated in 2018…

They’ve been here before…

You know exactly what I am about to talk about.

This is not Liverpool’s first rodeo, they are notorious for their European comebacks, with that night in Istanbul back in 2005 (you know the one), topping the lot.

However, when asked about a Reds comeback in Europe, there is another that sticks in everybody’s mind – the 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield in 2019.

Liverpool had no hope, 3-0 down after the first leg of a Champions League final, which some would say was unlucky, against one of Europe’s best sides led by the almighty Lionel Messi.

Nobody gave them a chance. However, they believed, and one of the greatest comebacks in European history was born.

Jurgen Klopp’s side went on to win their sixth Champions League title that year, it was the start of a spectacular few years under Jurgen Klopp.

How they will need another one of those performances tonight.

during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final, second leg match at Anfield, Liverpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 7, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
Liverpool's Belgian striker Divock Origi (R) celebrates after scoring their fourth goal during the UEFA Champions league semi-final second leg football match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 7, 2019. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Colorsport/Shutterstock (12906638ai) Football - 2018 / 2019 UEFA Champions League - Semi-Final, Second Leg: Liverpool (0) vs. Barcelona (3) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool celebrates winning the match at Anfield. COLORSPORT/LYNNE CAMERON Champs Lge SF L2: Liverpool 4 (4) Barcelona 0 (3)

Odds stacked against Irons

Bayer Leverkusen are a machine.

Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, they have gone 44 matches unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, they simply don’t look like losing.

Leverkusen are unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches, winning eight of them. Only from September 1986 to April 1988 have they enjoyed a longer such run in a major European competition, which was 14 games.

After wrapping up the Bundesliga at the weekend, Alonso and Co have their eyes set on European glory.

West Ham could be in for a long night…

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 11: The players of Bayer Leverkusen celebrate at full-time following the team's victory in the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United FC at BayArena on April 11, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

History against Liverpool

You know a task is hard when it’s never been done before.

If Liverpool are to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals, they are going to have to do something that no one has managed before in the competition.

In Europa League history, on 132 occasions the away side has won the first leg of a two-legged tie by three or more goals. Never have any of those leads been overturned.

The Reds are going to have to create history if they want to make the last four.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz appears dejected after Atalanta's Mario Pasalic scores their third goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final, first leg match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday April 11, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Mountain to climb for Hammers

As Whitney Houston said, there ain’t no mountain high enough.

West Have have an improbable task in front of them tonight, but that doesn’t mean they can surprise the footballing world.

The Hammers are certainly up against it, turning a 2-0 deficit around against the most in-form side in Europe, Bayer Leverkusen, who are yet to lose a game in all competitions, is extremely unlikely.

However, the players can’t think like that. The Hammers will have the benefit of a home crowd unlike their English counterparts Liverpool, which will be a huge help.

Can they put the cat amongst the pigeons?

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates with team mates after scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United FC at BayArena on April 11, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock (14431473ba) Leverkusen, Germany, 11.04.24: Tomas Soucek (West Ham United) looks dejected during the UEFA Europa League 2023/2024 - Quarter-finals First Leg match between Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham United at BayARENA on April 11, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images) Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham United - UEFA Europa League 2023/2024 - Quarter-finals First Leg - BayARENA, Leverkusen, Germany - 11 Apr 2024

Big task for Reds in Bergamo

It’s plain and simple, the Reds have a mammoth assignment in front of them tonight.

When the Reds took to the Anfield turf last week to face a side sixth in Serie A, no one could have foreseen the events that would unfold.

Liverpool hadn’t lost in 14 months at home, but that soon changed. They weren’t just beaten by Atalanta, they were battered while not being able to throw any counter-punches.

Fast forward three days and the Anfield crowd were left stunned once again when Eberechi Eze of Crystal dealt a huge blow to their title hopes, inflicting a second defeat on the Reds within a week.

Tonight is the chance for Liverpool to bounce back. Even if they aren’t to qualify tonight, a win would do them a huge amount of good for their domestic challenge.

The odds are certainly not in their favour, Atalanta showed their quality last week, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were to cause Liverpool more pain again.

But if anybody can turn this tie around, Liverpool can.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Atalanta - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 11, 2024 Atalanta's Mario Pasalic celebrates scoring their third goal with Teun Koopmeiners Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai appears dejected after Atalanta's Mario Pasalic scores their third goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final, first leg match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday April 11, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Elsewhere in Europe

Let’s not forget, it’s not just British sides in action, there are two other huge ties elsewhere in Europe, and throughout the night we will give you updates on the ongoings in both of them.

So, let’s have a look at the other Europa League semi-finals, which I must say are looking very tasty:

  • Marseille vs Benfica (agg 1-2) 20:00 GMT
  • Roma vs AC Milan (agg 1-0) 20:00 GMT

What’s in store?

The pressure is on. It’s do or die for many teams in Europe tonight, none more so than Liverpool and West Ham who will need to achieve the unthinkable to progress to the Europa League last four.

That’s what’s on the line tonight, a Europa League semi-final, and here are the ties we are serving up for you this evening:

  • Atalanta vs Liverpool (agg 3-0) 20:00 GMT
  • West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen (agg 0-2) 20:00 GMT
Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Atalanta - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 11, 2024 Liverpool's Cody Gakpo in action with Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti REUTERS/Molly Darlington
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen shoots on goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United FC at BayArena on April 11, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Can lightning strike twice?

Does anybody detect a hint of de ja vu?

Liverpool have their backs up against the wall to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Atalanta at Anfield in the first leg.

After speaking to Liverpool fans, even they don’t believe they can turn this one around, but you just never know with the Reds – they’ve done it before. Can Jurgen Klopp’s side produce another historical European night?

West Ham are also in need of a miracle this evening at the London Stadium. They face the unbeaten newly-crowned German champions, Bayer Leverkusen, who they were defeated by 2-0, last week.

Both British sides are well and truly down, but they are not out…yet.

Will it be a night to remember? I guess we will all find out together.

BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 18: General view of the official match ball inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final second leg match between Atalanta and Liverpool FC at Gewiss Stadium on April 18, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Elli Birch/IPS/Shutterstock (14440472a) General view of the London Stadium before kickoff West Ham United v Bayer Leverkusen, Europa League - Quarter-Final - 2nd Leg, Football, London Stadium, London, UK - 18 Apr 2024
Key Updates

  • Atalanta Starting XI – TWO changes

  • Bayer Leverkusen Team News – THREE changes

  • West Ham Team News – Bowen STARTS

  • Liverpool Team News – Gakpo STARTS

  • Elsewhere in Europe

  • What’s in store?

  • Can lightning strike twice?




Source From: Football | Mail Online

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