Liverpool struggled mightily on Thursday night in Bergamo to overcome Atalanta’s 3-0 first-leg lead, even though Mo Salah gave Jurgen Klopp’s team an early penalty and they went on to win 1-0.

The unexpected loss to Gian Piero Gasperini’s team at Anfield on Thursday night proved to be too much. Gianluca Scamacca scored a brace and Mario Pasalic added a third to give the Serie A team a shocking first-leg victory.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross was handled early in tonight’s second leg, and Salah duly complied. Overall though, Liverpool had a difficult evening as Atalanta’s defense stayed strong the entire time.

In the first half, Salah blew a guilt-edged opportunity to make it two, but in the second half, Liverpool seemed to be trying too hard to force the issue and try to create when the situation wasn’t right. Atlanta took care of it.

In fact, Atalanta can counter rather effectively at times and had the better opportunities in the second half. In the end, Klopp’s team proved to be too formidable and emerged victorious in the match, maintaining a clean sheet.

Cody Gakpo tried to backheel a pass past two Atalanta defenders to the charging Andy Robertson as the Liverpool attacker attempted to press the issue. It didn’t seem genuine.

Additionally, it gave Atalanta an opportunity to break, and they need to have taken use of those 60 minutes better. Steve McManaman, a co-commentator for TNT Sports, chastised the 24-year-old forward from Liverpool.

Gakpo gave up the ball with a careless flip in midfield. Gakpo gave it away, but McManaman stated, “Liverpool need to be so much more careful because the way Atalanta play, you will be punished.”