Liverpool’s hopes of salvaging their season with a Europa League triumph lie in tatters after a shambolic 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. The Serie A side drew first blood through former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who capitalized on a Caoimhin Kelleher error to break the deadlock in the 38th minute at Anfield.
Despite some bright moments from Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez, who struck the woodwork, Liverpool looked increasingly bereft of ideas and urgency as the match wore on.
The eagerly anticipated draws for the Europa Conference League quarter-finals and semi-finals have been made, setting the stage for a thrilling climax to the inaugural season of UEFA’s third-tier club competition. Football fans around the globe are buzzing with excitement as some mouthwatering matchups were unveiled.
In the quarter-finals, Belgian outfit Club Brugge will lock horns with Greek giants PAOK in a clash that promises to be a tactical masterclass. The Belgian champions have shown their pedigree on the European stage, while PAOK’s free-scoring attacking lineup will undoubtedly prove a stern test for Brugge’s resolute defense.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Inter Milan prepare to host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. However, the Nerazzurri will have to navigate this make-or-break encounter without two pivotal players who starred in the first leg victory.
Speaking ahead of the crunch clash, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi lamented the injury absences of versatile wingback Carlos Augusto and striker Marko Arnautovic, labeling them “fundamental” players in the first leg triumph.
