In the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, Atalanta managed to end Liverpool’s unbeaten run at Anfield which dates back to February 2023. The Reds had a promising start but failed to pounce on their opportunities. However, the entire momentum shifted in favor of the visitors when Gianluca Scamacca produced the opener against the run of play in the 38th minute. The Italians became the more dangerous side in the second half, harrying the Premier League giants on counter-attacks. Scamacca completed his brace at the hour mark while Mario Pasalic added the third to complete a historic rooting. So here are our player ratings for Atalanta who now have one foot in the semi-final after beating Liverpool 3-0 away from home.
Atalanta (3-4-1-2)
Juan Musso – 7
After losing his starting berth to Marco Carnesecchi, the Argentine goalkeeper made the most out of this rare opportunity. Pulled off a host of saves to escape from Anfield with a well-deserved clean sheet.
Berat Djimsiti – 7
The Albanian held his own at the back and maintained composure throughout the match while managing to frustrate Cody Gakpo.
Isak Hien – 6
The Swede isn’t accustomed to the big stage just yet and had some scares early on, allowing Dario Nunez to escape him. However, his performance improved as the match progressed, and put on a good showing in the second half.
Marten de Roon – 6.5
The Atalanta stalwart filled at the back and never looked out of sorts. Didn’t panic, even when he had Mo Salah running at him.
Davide Zappacosta – 7
The former Chelsea man committed a few blunders early on and was lucky to avoid punishment. He then produced the assist for the opener and had a key role to play in the second goal as well.
Ederson – 6.5
The Brazilian was happy to do the dirty work for Atalanta in the middle of the park. Should have done better when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but it didn’t matter, as Pasalic was there to pounce on the rebound.
Mario Pasalic – 7.5
A superb display from the former Milan man who was the unsung hero for the majority of the match, before putting his name on the scoresheet with a tenacious rebound. Worked tirelessly in midfield and put Koopmeiners through with a sublime pass.
Matteo Ruggeri – 6.5
While it wasn’t his most spectacular shift, the left wingback did well at the back and even pulled off a goal-line clearance late in the match.
Teun Koopmeiners – 6
The Dutchman made himself involved in both phases of the game, and eventually won his duel against Endo following a shaky start. However, he’ll be kicking himself for his uncharacteristically lackluster finishing.
Charles De Ketelaere – 6.5
The Belgian had a quiet first half where he almost drifted out of the match. Nevertheless, he rose to the plate when it mattered the most, providing the assist for Scamcacca’s second with an exquisite cross.
Gianluca Scamacca – 8
The only reason he doesn’t get a higher grade is because he could have even grabbed more goals. Nevertheless, the Italian striker led the line brilliantly for Atalanta. If Caoimhin Kelleher’s poor save attempt helped his case on the opener, the Irish goalkeeper was left with no chance on the second goal. Scamacca also won back the ball which directly led to the third strike.
Substitutes
Aleksey Miranchuk – N/A
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