Atalanta qualified for the Europa League semi-finals after a 3-1 aggregate win over Liverpool, despite a 1-0 loss at home on the night, largely thanks to a solid defensive display from the likes of Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien and Sead Kolasinac, while star-man Teun Koopmeiners excelled in his role behind the strikers. Check out the player ratings.
Atalanta
Musso 6.5 – Not a lot he could have done to prevent Salah’s first half penalty, and only had three other saves to make across the 90+ minutes. Effectively a clean sheet though, ignoring the spot-kick.
Djimsiti 7.5 – Had won all of his aerial duels (five) and ground tackles (four), up against the threatening Luis Diaz, who wasn’t afforded any real chances down Atalanta’s right-hand side.
Hien 7 – Bravely stepped out of the back line to join in the midfield press a number of times and was part of a relatively solid Atalanta defensive unit. No major errors to report.
Kolasinac 6.5 – Coming up against Salah on Liverpool’s right-hand side was never going to be an easy task, and though the ‘Egyptian King’ slipped through a few times, the former Arsenal defender put in a reasonable and experienced performance.
Zappacosta 6 – A quiet opening 45’ going forwards, but was again involved in plenty of Atalanta’s attacks in the second half. Covered plenty of ground to make it back into position for Liverpool’s attacking phases.
De Roon 6.5 – Deployed in his natural central midfield role, having played in the back three at Anfield last week. Atalanta’s dictator on the night: A solid and reliable display from the captain.
Ederson 6 – Another important defensive display from Atalanta’s all-action Brazilian. Largely up against Szoboszlai until his second-half substitution, he made three important tackles and was another who had a 100% success rate in his aerial duels. (Pasalic 6)
Ruggeri 5.5 – At fault for Liverpool’s penalty, but didn’t let his head drop thereafter. Not his most influential performance by any means, but not particularly disastrous either.
Koopmeiners 7.5 – Involved in practically every one of Atalanta’s moves in the final third,, pressed exceptionally well out of possession and on the ball, was buzzing and always looking to create or pounce on chances. Tried to get the crowd going in both halves and was still going at 100% in the final moments while Atalanta had a 3-1 aggregate lead.
Scamacca 6 – Not quite the five-star display he put in at Anfield, but Atalanta’s strikers were not afforded too much off the ball at the Gewiss Stadium. Looked the more likely to score of Atalanta’s front two until his withdrawal 20 minutes from time. (De Ketelaere 5)
Miranchuk 5.5 – Only a few half-chances to note for Atalanta’s attackers on the night, but there were a handful of clumsy touches from Miranchul in the first half. (Lookman 5)
Liverpool
Alisson 6.5; Alexander-Arnold 7 (Gomez 5), Konate 7.5, van Dijk 6.5, Robertson 6 (Danns 5); Szoboszlai 6 (Elliott 5.5), Mac Allister 6.5, Jones 5: Salah 5.5 (Nunez 5), Gakpo 6.5, Diaz 5.5 (Jota 5).