Although the winger scored the first goal in Bergamo, he squandered a fantastic opportunity to put the Reds back in the quarterfinal match.

It appeared for a little moment that another historic Liverpool comeback was underway. The Reds seemed as like they would actually overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit in Europe after Mohamed Salah gave them a 7-minute lead on Thursday night from the penalty spot against Atalanta – just as they did all those years ago on a historic night at Anfield.

However, the typically lethal Egyptian missed a clear goal with his attempted lob over a stranded Juan Musso in Bergamo when Salah had the chance to put Liverpool ahead 2-0. This Europa League quarterfinal match would not present a better opportunity for the visitors, and ultimately, Jurgen Klopp’s last match as manager of Liverpool in Europe ended in a disappointing loss.

In fact, the more the game went on, the less effective the Reds became, much like Salah, who was substituted midway through the second half. Klopp evidently still has a lot of work ahead of him to turn around his struggling team in time for Sunday’s crucial Premier League match at Fulham.

He’ll focus on the advantages. Liverpool failed to record a point. They succeeded in winning the match. However, this didn’t seem like a win, and it didn’t resemble the genuine Mo Salah at all.

Below, GOAL ranks every player in attendance on yet another discouraging evening for Klopp and his team.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

A virtual spectator in the first half. Had a couple of stops to make after the restart but they were all quite routine.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

‘Won’ the penalty and was arguably Liverpool’s best player during the first half, repeatedly turning defence into attack with one swing of his right foot, but still looks like a player working his way back to full fitness. Tellingly, withdrawn with 20 minutes left.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

Always willing to throw his weight around and won a fair few tackles but just gives away so many fouls with his clumsiness. His distribution left a lot to be desired as well.

Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

A threat in the Atalanta box and his passing was good. But gave away some cheap free-kicks with poorly-timed challenges.

Andy Robertson (5/10):

Always willing to get forward but didn’t carry the same attacking threat as usual. Take off in the closing stages.

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Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10):

Decent early strike on goal but his passing was loose and he put his team in serious trouble at one point during the first half. Unsurprisingly subbed midway through the second half. Really has faded after such a strong first half of the season.

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

Not his best performance but once again Liverpool’s best midfielder. Despite some misplaced passes, he was good on the ball and won it back repeatedly, making several timely interceptions.

Curtis Jones (5/10):

Can’t fault him for effort (you never can) but was sloppy in possession at times. Still trying to get himself back to the level he was playing at before the injury.

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Attack

Mohamed Salah (4/10):

Despite a lengthy wait, converted his penalty emphatically, but made an absolute mess of an attempted lob that would have brought Liverpool right back into the tie. Rightly replaced after another largely ineffective display. Rather worryingly, still not right after his lengthy injury lay-off.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

The one forward to play reasonably well, the Dutchman created chances for both Diaz (with a sublime lay-off) and Salah (long ball over the top).

Luis Diaz (4/10):

Full of running, always wanted to get on the ball – but did absolutely nothing with it. His early exit was inevitable.

Subs & Manager

Darwin Nunez (5/10):

Made no impact after his introduction.

Joe Gomez (5/10):

Came on at right-back for Alexander-Arnold. Little to do.

Diogo Jota (5/10):

Took over on the left wing from Diaz but couldn’t spark Liverpool into life.

Harvey Elliott (5/10):

Not even Liverpool’s super-sub could turn this game around.

Jayden Danns (N/A):

Not enough time to make an impact.

Jurgen Klopp (6/10):

assured me that his team would give it their all, which they did, at least in the first half, until they ran out of gas after the restart. The lack of innovation on his team will continue to be a major worry because he doesn’t appear to be able to address it.