One week removed from the stunning 3-0 victory at Anfield Road, Atalanta hosted Liverpool in Bergamo for the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. The Reds had an encouraging started when Mohamed Salah converted an early spot-kick, but they weren’t able to muster too many chances throughout the match. On the contrary, the Italians slowly but surely asserted control over the action and appeared the more likely side to score. In the end, the Premier League giants could only register a 1-0 win which wasn’t enough to put them through. So here are our player ratings for Atalanta who, despite the slim defeat, achieved history by reaching their first European semi-final since 1988 at the expense of Liverool.
Atalanta (3-4-1-2)
Juan Musso – 6.5
The Argentine was beaten from the spot by Salah, but still pulled off a few solid saves, albeit some of the plays came from offside positions.
Berat Djimsiti – 7
A rock-solid display from the Albanian who made some timely interceptions at the back. Kept Luis Diaz quiet for as long as he lasted on the pitch, and his substitute Diogo Jota suffered the same fate.
Isak Hien – 6
The former Verona man earned a yellow card for stopping a Liverpool play with a deliberate yellow card, and some would argue he deserved a sterner punishment. Looked reliable otherwise.
Sead Kolasinac – 6.5
An impressive defensive display from the former Arsenal man who kept Salah at bay on most occasions.
Davide Zappacosta – 7.5
The former Torino wingback was a genuine menace on the right flank. He was arguably the hosts’ most creative attacking force with his reluctant runs and superb delivery. He deserved an assist to his name, but his teammates lacked the final touch.
Ederson – 6
A hardworking display as ever by the Brazilian who helped Atalanta maintain composure in the middle of the park.
Marten de Roon – 6.5
The Dutch veteran was all too happy to do the dirty work in midfield. But also distrubuted the ball well and picked up Zappacosta and Ruggeri on the flanks.
Matteo Ruggeri – 6
The young Italian was unlucky to see the ball hitting his arm in the box which gifted the Reds their solitary goal. But to his credit, he wasn’t too despaired by the incident, and still managed to produce a decent, if not spectacular display.
Teun Koopmeiners – 7
The Netherlands international led Atalanta in their high pressing, kept the ball ticking in midfield and threatened to scored on some occasions. Proved why he’s one of the most sought-out midfielders in the world.
Aleksey Miranchuk – 6
The Russian was brave enough to dart at the Liverpool defenses on several occasions, but should have done better in his finishing on a couple of occasions.
Gianluca Scamacca – 6.5
The Italian striker didn’t replicate his heroics from the first leg, but didn’t necessarily have to. Did well to help Atalanta preserve possession in the Liverpool half by warding off the challenges of opposition defenders. He also picked up his teammates with some decent plays.
Substitutes
Charles De Ketelaere – N/A
Mario Pasalic – N/A
Ademola Lookman – N/A
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