Bad night for the Brits
By HARRY BAMFORTH
There we are then, only Aston Villa remain.
Once again it was a night to forget for the English sides as both Liverpool and West Ham bow out of Europe at the quarter-final stage.
In truth, after last week, it’s what we all expected, but after both the Reds and the Hammers scored early there was just that glimmer of hope.
However, that faded away throughout the night, and now Villa are left to fly the flag in the final four of the Europa Conference League.
It was also easy to forget for most of the night that if Liverpool lost, that would be Jurgen Klopp’s last game in Europe as manager, and well, they lost…
It’s the end of an era, I imagine Liverpool fans will be getting very emotional.
Once again, thanks for joining me on another rollercoaster of a night in Europe. I think it’s time to return to domestic football now, don’t you?
I’ll catch you all at the weekend, see you soon!
23:08
The final four!
We have our four semi-finalists after Marseille came out victorious against Benfica tonight on penalties.
So, what ties do we have to look forward to? I can show you:
- Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Marseille vs Atalanta
Who lifts the trophy?
23:00
SOFASCORE STATS: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
The statistics tell the story pretty much.
Liverpool had all the ball, but in the second half, they couldn’t find a way through.
Atalanta restricted them to very few chances after the break, I’m pretty sure the majority of those 10 shots came in the first half.
A step back in the right direction, though.
22:55
Party time in Bergamo!
The attention will be on Liverpool, but let’s not take any credit away from Atalanta.
They deserved to win the tie across the two legs. They showed their attacking prowess in the first and their defensive resilience in the second.
The players, staff, and supporters are having a ball out there, they will remember this result for a very long time.
They will be a tough side to beat in the last four.
22:48
Liverpool failed but gave fans hope
Right then, it’s time to hear another perspective.
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, was in Bergamo to witness Liverpool fall short in their Europa League quarter-final with Atalanta.
As Lewis eloquently puts it, the Reds’ performance should encourage the fans, players, and staff. Their season is not over yet.
To read Lewis’ match story on Mail+, click below:
Liverpool failed but gave fans hope they can still have magical ending
LEWIS STEELE AT STADIO DI BERGAMO: If you are going to fail, then make sure you fail beautifully. That was the rallying cry of Jurgen Klopp beforehand.
22:40
Jurgen Klopp: ‘We have to focus on the league’
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, speaking on TNT Sports:
It was clear we gave ourselves a massive hurdle. I liked the game a lot tonight with the desire and power the boys show. It was incredible from them.
It was really tricky and we were too hasty in moments. If Trent Alexander-Arnold had been a bit fitter we could have gone a bit longer, but it is insane that he has even played! In the end, he was running out of gas.
We won the game and that was the reaction we wanted to show. It was difficult and we knew it would be but they deserve to go through 100%. We have to focus on the league and that is exactly what we will do from now. Tonight we won the game so we are back to winning ways. We have a few days to recover to go again against Fulham. That will be a different game but it will be tricky.
22:38
Liverpool left to rue Mo’s miss?
Was this the moment the game fell away from Liverpool?
If Mo Salah stuck his one-on-one away, Liverpool would have been 2-0 up at half-time and it could have been a whole different ball game.
However, he put it wide and once again Liverpool couldn’t finish off their big chances.
They have to start taking them, it’s becoming the story of their season.
22:30
Michail Antonio: ‘I didn’t get a decision all game’
Michail Antonio, West Ham goalscorer, speaking on TNT Sports:
Obviously disappointed. Last week we gave them a bit too much respect, but this week we came out and showed them what we can do.
I felt like I didn’t get a decision all game. I felt a bit frustrated. We felt like we deserved more. But it’s football, sometimes the decisions don’t go your way. We move on and build on that and try to get into the Europa League next year. It doesn’t feel like you’re playing against 11 men, it feels like you’re playing against 13 or 14 including the two lions [linesman].
You just have to keep pushing and try and make the decisions go your way. And they just weren’t. We had to keep playing our way and keep being professional. We’re very proud of ourselves, to achieve what we’ve achieved over the last four years is incredible. Four back-to-back years in European quarter-finals I would never have thought that. We were a yo-yo team, into Europe, then fighting for relegation.
22:26
English sides falter in Europe
It’s not been a great couple of days for the English sides involved in European competition.
Only one Premier League side remains, and it’s Aston Villa, they made it through to the Europa Conference League semi-finals earlier.
Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and West Ham have all now been dumped out of the Champions League and Europa League, respectively.
The focus switches to the Premier League for all of them now.
22:20
Virgil van Dijk: ‘We showed great fight’
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, speaking to TNT Sports:
Firstly credit to Atalanta. Last week we were very poor and they had a good game. They deserved to go through because we made it far too difficult for ourselves.
Tonight was a good game and we showed great fight. It was an improvement but the reality is we are out and we have to very quickly recover and travel to London on Saturday.
We tried and we had opportunities. At times we wanted it too quickly as everyone was keen to get the second and third. But overall it isn’t enough. We are disappointed to be out of the competition as we really wanted to win it.
22:15
End of an era
It’s the end of an era for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
The German boss has guided them to three major European finals during his time at the club, leading them to Champions League glory in 2019.
However, his final European journey with the club ends tonight, and it finishes in disappointment.
Oh, how they are going to miss him.
22:10
Around the grounds
As I said earlier, it wasn’t just the English sides in action tonight.
Romas came out on top in the all-Italian battle in Rome, in turn knocking out one of the favourites.
Meanwhile, in France, Marseille’s win in normal time means the match will have to be decided in extra time and maybe even penalties.
- Marseille 1-0 Benfica (agg 2-2) – Extra Time
- Roma 2-1 AC Milan (agg 3-1) 20:00 GMT
22:06
Leverkusen’s London delight
This season just gets better and better for Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso’s side were under the cosh for large parts of tonight, but as they always do, they held strong and netted late on to seal the deal.
You have to say they are the favourites for the Europa League now, who is going to stop them?
The fans get to carry on their celebrations from the weekend in the English capital.
22:02
‘Liverpool ran out of ideas after the break’
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
Liverpool played very well, I thought, in the first half. But they ran out of ideas after the break as Atalanta retreated and limited space. Stadium is bouncing here and the party will carry on into the night. The biggest win of Atalanta’s history and well deserved.
21:57
FULL-TIME: West Ham 1-1 Leverkusen (agg 1-3)
And there it is, Bayer Leverkusen get the job done in London.
It’s heartbreak for West Ham, who after taking the lead in the first half, just couldn’t get the all-important second goal.
As they poured forward the chances started to come for Leverkusen on the counter-attack, and they eventually made them pay through Jeremie Frimpong.
Xabi Alonso’s side just doesn’t know how to lose, that’s 44 matches unbeaten this season.
Can they go all the way?
21:54
FULL-TIME: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Atalanta have done it, Liverpool are OUT of the Europa League!
The Reds huffed and they puffed, but in truth, they never looked like scoring after the break.
Gian Piero Gasperini shuffled his side around at half-time and it was like they were a brick wall after that.
The celebrations aren’t quite as wild as they were last week, that’s because it’s felt like the job was done for them for a while.
Liverpool have to now pour all their focus into the Premier League title race.
21:51
GOAL!!! West Ham 1-1 Leverkusen (agg 1-3) (Frimpong 89′)
That’s one way to make up for the earlier miss!
Jeremie Frimpong kills the tie as he finds the net with a bending effort via a deflection.
That’s extremely poor defending from West Ham, they let him stand still with the ball at his feet for about five seconds.
Leverkusen keep their unbeaten run going, and they are surely now through to the last four.
They just never finish a match without having their say.
21:50,88′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
I can’t remember Liverpool’s last meaningful attack, can you?
Alissojn punts it long but it just ends up in the hands of Juan Musso, there were no Liverpool players even close.
It’s not been the most thrilling of watches…
21:46,83′
WHAT A MISS! West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
What are you doing Jeremie Frimpong?
The wing-back is through on goal, he has Florian Wirtz with him, all he has to do is square it, but he goes alone and smashes it over the bar.
He had to pass it there, but even so, he should finish the move himself anyway.
West Ham are still alive.
21:43,79′
West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
Leverkusen have been much better this half but they can’t quite find the goal they need to kill the tie.
Amine Adli gets on the end of Florian Wirtz’s pass, but his cross can’t find a teammate.
West Ham are just about still in this.
21:41,79′
SUBSTITUTION: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Guess what? More substitutions.
Liverpool make their final two as Jayden Danns comes on for his first European performance.
He replaces Andy Robertson, another Liverpool player who has struggled tonight.
21:40,78′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
This has been an extremely disappointing half from Liverpool.
They have offered next to nothing in this second half, Atalanta have nullified their threat brilliantly.
Personally, I can’t see any more goals in this one from the visitors.
21:36,74′
SUBSTITUTION: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Substitutions are all that is going on right now, this game is dying, and nothing is happening.
Credit to Atalanta though, their defensive resilience is what is killing it for Liverpool.
Anyway, Charles De Ketelaere and Mario Pasalic are on for Atalanta.
21:33,72′
SUBSTITUTION: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Jurgen Klopp rolls the dice again.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s night comes to an end. He shone in the first half but struggled to make a real impact in the second. Still, valuable minutes for him on his return.
Joe Gomez comes on in his place. How many 30-yard strikes will he miss today?
21:29,67′
SUBSTITUTION: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Here they come, Jurgen Klopp makes a triple-change to switch things up.
I must admit, the players coming off are rather surprising. Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai make way.
Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Harvey Elliot replace them.
Can they make an impact?
21:27,66′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool are so open at the back when Atalanta attack them.
The Reds get caught out on the counter-attack once again, but luckily for them, Aleksei Miranchuk overhits his pass.
Changes are coming from Jurgen Klopp, they need something to happen quickly.
21:24,63′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Why didn’t Davide Zappacosta go down?
The Italian full-back cuts back in the area and is caught by Virgil van Dijk, but stays on his feet and the ball is cleared.
He is an honest man, but in modern-day football, if he goes down, that’s a penalty.
Liverp[ool are struggling all of a sudden.
21:22,61′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
There is another warning shot from Atalanta.
Cody Gakpo gives the ball away and then the hosts transition into counter-attacking mode very quickly before Teun Koopmeiners fires a strike straight at Alisson.
You just feel like this is what Atalanta want, they are happy to camp behind the ball and counter.
21:19,58′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
The chances are starting to flow now for Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk peels off at the back post to meet a deep free-kick, but he can only turn his header straight at Juan Musso.
You feel they will need to find a goal soon if they are to make this improbable comeback.
21:17,56′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool are on top here.
The Reds are starting to open up spaces in the penalty area and Cody Gakpo backheels to Mo Salah, who is foiled from close range by Juan Musso.
The offside flag does eventually go up as Salah was miles offside, but Musso wasn’t to know that.
Either way, it was a lovely move.
21:12,51′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Now it’s the hosts who nearly make a mess of it at the back.
The ball goes back to Juan Musso in goal but he completely misses it. Luckily for them, so does Cody Gakpo.
This game is very open!
21:11,50′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool get away with one.
Atalanta have started the second period the stronger side and Alisson is forced into an early save from Ederson.
It was a bit chaotic in there, Liverpool just couldn’t hook it clear!
21:09,49′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool haven’t exactly come flying out of the traps in this second half.
The Reds can’t afford to be patient for too long, they still need two more goals to stay in the tie.
21:08,46′
SECOND HALF: West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
The ball is rolling again in London.
The London Stadium roars and they will be willing the Hammers on for the entirety of this second half.
Can West Ham do the unthinkable and end Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible season?
21:07,46′
SECOND HALF: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
We are back underway in Bergamo!
Liverpool have been putting Atalanta under pressure, but will it be enough, can they pull any more goals back?
The Reds have 45 minutes to save their Europa League campaign.
21:03
WATCH: Antonio gives Hammers hope
West Ham have been brilliant so far.
The Hammers have dominated the new German Champions, who aren’t at the races, with Michail Antonio in particular causing problems.
The number nine has bullied the Leverkusen defense and took his goal expertly in the 13th minute.
Irons fans, enjoy!
21:01
Can Liverpool hold strong?
There is no doubt that going forward Liverpool will continue to cause problems, but can they hold strong at the back.
Remember, the Reds have only managed one clean sheet from their last 15 matches in all competitions.
If they concede, it will be all over.
20:59
‘Liverpool need more from their midfield’
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
Liverpool look bang up for it but are they rushing it slightly? Need more from their midfield. Atalanta had a nervy start but have settled and threatened at the other end.
20:57
WATCH: Salah pulls one back from the spot
It’s fair to say, Liverpool are looking back to their usual selves.
Jurgen Klopp couldn’t have wished for a better start when Mo Salah calmly slotted home from the spot after seven minutes.
All I’m saying is that the penalty hit the net in the same minute that Divock Origi opened the scoring five years ago against Barcelona.
It was also 1-0 at half-time…
20:52
HALF-TIME: West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
What a brilliant half from the Hammers!
David Moyes’ side have been brilliant, applying the pressure on Bayer Leverkusen from the first whistle.
They got their reward through Michail Antonio when he nodded them in front after 13 minutes, and he could have had more.
Bayer Leverkusen look like they are still recovering from their title celebrations, they are not at the races.
This second half is going to be a juicy one!
20:47
HALF-TIME: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
There’s the half-time whistle!
Jurgen Klopp will be happy at the break, his side are back in this tie after Mo Salah netted from the spot after just seven minutes.
The Reds have looked far better than they have been in their recent matches, controlling a lot of the ball and always looking a threat.
However, once again they should have a higher number next to their name on the scoreline, Mo Salah missed a gilt-edged chance to make it 2-0.
Atalanta have had their moments, but all-in-all they are looking nervous out there.
This tie is not over quite yet…
20:46,45′
YELLOW CARD: Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1) (Hien and Diaz)
We have our first bookings of the game and they go to both Isak Hien and Luis Diaz.
Hien is shown a yellow card as he accidentally handles the ball which stops Diaz going through.
Diaz reacts poorly and asks for more from the referee, so earns himself a yellow too.
The free-kick then ends up with Trent Alexander-Arnold firing a shot towards the moon…
20:41,41′
NO GOAL! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
That’s a huge let-off for Liverpool.
Minutes after Mo Salah should have put Liverpool two goals to the good, Teun Koopmeiners is sent through and finishes past Alisson.
However, the celebrations are cut short, the Dutchman was just offside.
That’s a big warning sign for Liverpool.
20:41,39′
WHAT A CHANCE! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Oooooh, Mo Salah…
The Egyptian winger is sent through over the top, he’s one-on-one, I’m preparing to type goal, but he puts it wide.
That was a huge opportunity, he had to score, but he decided to lob the keeper, but in truth it is miles wide of the mark.
Will they come to rue that miss?
20:37,37′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
Liverpool are bang up for this but they can’t allow Atalanta to keep on settling, which they are slowly doing. When the chances come, as they seem to be doing in abundance for the Reds, they need to be a bit more clinical.
20:35,31′
West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
It’s all kicking off at the London Stadium.
Both benches started arguing before they all start getting involved with two coaching staff members being sent off, including Billy McKinlay of West Ham.
The chaos then bleeds onto the pitch and the players start going at it!
It seems the intensity of the match is getting to both sides, including their staff.
20:33,31′
GREAT INTERCEPTION! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
It’s been a chaotic few minutes, and Liverpool are now posing a threat on the counter themselves.
Cody Gakpo breaks away and feeds Mo Salah who then tries Luis Diaz, but Berat Gjimshiti slides in brilliantly to intercept the pass.
If he wasn’t there, Diaz was in!
20:29,29′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
They have to be careful though, Liverpool!
Atalanta are still proving a handful on the counter-attack and Aleksei Miranchuk is once again involved, sliding an effort just wide of the post.
This is proving an interesting battle so far!
20:28,27′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool seem really calm at this moment in time, they aren’t rushing to find a second yet.
It seems the Reds are comfortable just keeping the ball and waiting for the right time to strike.
20:25,22′
CHANCE! West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
West Ham are causing Bayer Leverkusen all sorts of problems.
Michail Antonio is dominating in the air and once again he rises highest to get his head onto a James Ward-Prowse cross, but it doesn’t trouble Matej Kovar.
There is a real feeling inside the London Stadium that the Hammers can do this.
20:22,20′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Atalanta are starting to grow into the game after an early setback.
Liverpool give the ball away in their own half and the hosts nearly make them pay as Gianluca Scamacca plays a lovely ball in behind to Aleksei Miranchuk.
However, Miranchuk can’t reach it and Alisson comes out to gather. Liverpool can’t give Atalanta opportunities like that.
20:18,16′
West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2)
Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium:
The London stadium erupted after that goal, Leverkusen look as if they are still feeling the effects from their celebrations at the weekend. Xabi Alonso is trying to rally his players on the touchline. Meanwhile, Bowen is having a word with the referee after being clipped a couple of times by the opposition
20:15,13′
GOAL!!! West Ham 1-0 Leverkusen (agg 1-2) (Antonio 13′)
West Ham are back in the tie!
Jarrod Bowen has already made an impact, he swings in a delightful cross for Michail Antonio to head home.
It was a brilliant goal, and the London Stadium goes bananas!
They couldn’t, could they?
20:15,13′
BIG SAVE! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Liverpool have started so brightly and Luis Diaz comes very close to doubling their lead.
The Colombian attacker is slipped through one-on-one, but the keeper does well to rush out and deny him.
Dominik Szoboszlai then has a go from distance but it doesn’t cause any problems.
20:13,12′
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
That’s exactly what Liverpool needed. You felt like a fast start was necessary if they were going to overturn the deficit and they’ve done just that. Now it’s about building on that – they certainly look up for it and Atalanta’s passing has been wayward and nervy.
20:10,10′
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1)
The Liverpool fans are enjoying themselves after that goal, they are in fine voice in their tiny corner.
Atalanta already look nervous, they are backing off the Reds, letting them come at them.
If Liverpool can get another soon, it will really be on.
20:07,7′
GOAL!!! Atalanta 0-1 Liverpool (agg 3-1) (Salah 7′)
Mo Salah buries it!
The Liverpool number 11 makes no mistake from the spot, burning the ball into the bottom right-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Jurgen Klopp could not have wished for a better start, but the players mean business, no celebrations.
20:05
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
Liverpool have a spot-kick within five minutes!
In their first attack, Trent Alexander-Arnold fires a cross straight into the arm of Matteo Ruggeri.
What an opportunity for Mo Salah to get Liverpool off to a perfect start.
20:03,2′
Atalanta 0-0 Liverpool (agg 3-0)
Atalanta are once again pressing Liverpool like their lives depend on it.
Virgi van Dijk nearly gives the ball away under pressure by the corner flag, before Alisson is forced to hoof it away.
The hosts look up for it once again.
20:01
KICK-OFF!
Well, then, here we go!
We are underway in both London and Atalanta with both English sides needing a minor miracle.
Can Liverpool and West Ham pull off the improbable?
19:58
Here come the teams!
Wow, what a sight the stadium is right now.
The stands are covered with a mix of white, black, and blue flags, while the noise is bubbling.
Now it’s time for the Europa League music, which isn’t quite as good as the Champions League anthem, but it’s miles better than the Premier League’s.
The Atalanta fans are in fine voice.
19:52
Time for Salah to return to form?
There is no question that Mo Salah is an exceptional player, but he has been struggling of late.
Ever since he returned from injury, the ‘Egyptian King’ hasn’t quite looked right, and that was epitomised by his performance against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool could do with him putting in a shift this evening.
19:47
Meanwhile in Lille…
Aston Villa have forced extra-time, and they were the team in the ascendency as the 90 minutes came to a close.
Matty Cash was the man for the big occasion, slamming home into an open net to force the extra 30 minutes.
If you want to follow along, click below:
Lille vs Aston Villa – Europa Conference League: Live score, updates
Follow Mail Sport’s live coverage of the second leg Europa Conference League between Aston Villa vs Lille. As Unai Emery’s men hold a marginal 2-1 lead heading into the crucial game.
19:42
‘Fans need to get behind Irons’
Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium:
The home crowd are going to have a big role to play. They need to get behind their team from the start and try and create a big atmosphere for their players to thrive off.
19:40
Warm-ups underway in Bergamo
Wow, Bergamo is looking picturesque this evening!
Both sets of players are now going through their final preparations before kick-off, with Liverpool wearing their classic red strip.
We are just 20 minutes from kick-off, how are you feeling Liverpool fans?
19:36
Gary McAllister: ‘You can never say never with Liverpool’
Gary McAllister, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT sports:
They were poor against Atalanta. I thought they played quite well against Palace. They just weren’t clinical in front of goal.
Their record of coming back after conceding an early goal is remarkable but it’s not a position you want to be in. You can’t just keep relying on coming back from conceding a goal. It’s an elite club that has got an amazing record across the two European trophies.
You can never say never with Liverpool. Under Klopp as well, they’re not going to give it up. They need to defend better. As much as they need goals, they need a clean sheet.
19:30
Atmosphere building in London
The Bayer Leverkusen fans have converged on the London Stadium, they are well up for it tonight.
I’m sure the majority of them are still on cloud nine after winning their first-ever league title the other day.
Another incredible day out for them.
19:24
Scene is set!
The sun is setting in Bergamo with the beautiful orange sky – a beautiful background for a big night.
Liverpool have checked out the pitch, they look focused for the night ahead, they will be desperate not to take another loss.
You can see the Liverpool fans are ready in their little corner too…
19:20
Peter Crouch: ‘It’s a huge ask for Liverpool to go through’
Peter Crouch, former Liverpool striker, speaking on TNT Sports:
It’s difficult to put your finger on it [Liverpool’s issues]. The Palace one we didn’t see coming. Atalanta were the better side. There’s one thing losing that one but you expected a reaction at Anfield against Crystal Palace but it wasn’t there. They did have chances, gilt-edged chances, on another day they’d score three or four. But Palace did a job on them and it was unexpected.
The most important thing is bouncing back from the last two results. You need a performance tonight and to win the game. It’s a huge ask for them to go through. But when you watch those clips of comebacks over the years [maybe they can]. I came here thinking no chance, and then you watch these comebacks and start thinking about the history of the club and in Europe, maybe they can.
19:17
Aston Villa heading out of UECL… as it stands
Aston Villa’s night is not going to plan.
Lille’s captain, Benjamin Andre, has just fired Lille two nil up in the second leg, meaning the Villans are 3-2 down on aggregate.
They have just under 20 minutes to turn it back around.
To follow the live blog, click below:
Lille vs Aston Villa – Europa Conference League: Live score, updates
Follow Mail Sport’s live coverage of the second leg Europa Conference League between Aston Villa vs Lille. As Unai Emery’s men hold a marginal 2-1 lead heading into the crucial game.
19:12
In form Scamacca
Liverpool have already felt the wrath of Gianluca Scamacca once, and he is certainly a man in form.
Including his brace in the first leg, Scamacca has scored in his last four Europa League appearances. This is the longest-ever scoring run by an Atalanta player in Europe.
Can he inflict more damage on the Reds tonight?
19:06
Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod’
Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at the Gewiss Stadium:
Jurgen Klopp has gone very strong so it’s clearly a case of win or bust for Liverpool. It’s a big shout to give Cody Gakpo the nod over misfiring Darwin Nunez up top.
It’s also a big night for Trent Alexander-Arnold in his first start for two months. The midfield is very attacking, so it’s evident the Reds are not willing to go down without a fight.
19:01
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
Five Champions League places for Premier League? How extra team can qualify in 2024
Atalanta Starting XI – TWO changes
Atalanta make just the two changes from last week’s demolition job, as Sead Kolasinac, formerly of Arsenal, and Aleksei Miranchuk replace Mario Pasalic and Charles De Ketelaere.
Ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who netted a brace at Anfield, keeps his place.
18:57
TAA’s first start in two months
All eyes will be on this man tonight.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was having an exceptional season before injuries took hold of him early in 2024.
Well, after two months out of the side, and two substitute appearances, Aolexander-Arnold is back in from the start.
I can’t wait to see those 60-yard passes, they are a delight!
18:52
Bayer Leverkusen Team News – THREE changes
The new German champions have named their first 11 since being crowned Bundesliga winners.
Xabi Alonso has made three changes from the first leg, with Nathan Tella one of those coming in.
The question is, have these players got over their hangovers yet?
18:46
West Ham Team News – Bowen STARTS
There we go then, Jarrod Bowen is thrown straight back into the starting 11.
David Moyes has made three changes to the side that lost the first leg, with Edson Alvarez and Nayef Aguerd coming into the side.
Lucas Paqueta is unavailable due to suspension.
18:46
Liverpool Team News – Gakpo STARTS
Jurgen Klopp is not holding back.
The Reds’ boss has made three changes to the side that fell to a 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, with Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai all coming into the starting 11.
It’s Alexander-Arnold’s first start for Liverpool since Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley on 10 February.
18:44
Gian Piero Gasperini: ‘It is one of the most important games in our history’
Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta manager, speaking on Monday:
I expect the best Liverpool possible, with a team that will come here to play all its chances. We will have to play a great game to get a result.
We know that it will be one of the most important games in our history, if not the most important. But these are things that are said on the eve of the game, then comes the moment when we will have to know how to isolate ourselves.
18:40
Is Bowen fit?
How does that song go by Bonnie Tyler again? I need a hero…
West Ham certainly need one tonight and they may be in luck as top-scorer Jarrod Bowen may be returning to the fray after injury, as he has been seen arriving at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have really missed his presence up since his injury against Wolves, they didn’t score in either of the two games he was out.
Well, David Moyes is hopeful he will be ready tonight after he returned to training this week.
Can Bowen be the man to turn things around for the Irons?
18:36
Jurgen Klopp: ‘It’s over when it’s over’
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, speaking on Wednesday:
I’m long enough in this business to know that it’s two legs. It’s over when it’s over. We are allowed to play tomorrow which means it has our 1,000% focus. We are only here for one reason.
I remember that I said, ‘if we fail, let’s do it in the most beautiful way’ – and that’s exactly how I see it again. We want to win the game but if we want to win then we’d better play good. If you play good then we have a chance to win it. We will see.
18:30
Away end in Bergamo
This is where around 900 Liverpool fans will be situated tonight.
It looks like one of those dodgy stands at an athletics track you get taken to for a school competition.
Surprising considering the stadium only got renovated in 2018…
18:24
They’ve been here before…
You know exactly what I am about to talk about.
This is not Liverpool’s first rodeo, they are notorious for their European comebacks, with that night in Istanbul back in 2005 (you know the one), topping the lot.
However, when asked about a Reds comeback in Europe, there is another that sticks in everybody’s mind – the 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield in 2019.
Liverpool had no hope, 3-0 down after the first leg of a Champions League final, which some would say was unlucky, against one of Europe’s best sides led by the almighty Lionel Messi.
Nobody gave them a chance. However, they believed, and one of the greatest comebacks in European history was born.
Jurgen Klopp’s side went on to win their sixth Champions League title that year, it was the start of a spectacular few years under Jurgen Klopp.
How they will need another one of those performances tonight.
18:19
Odds stacked against Irons
Bayer Leverkusen are a machine.
Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, they have gone 44 matches unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, they simply don’t look like losing.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches, winning eight of them. Only from September 1986 to April 1988 have they enjoyed a longer such run in a major European competition, which was 14 games.
After wrapping up the Bundesliga at the weekend, Alonso and Co have their eyes set on European glory.
West Ham could be in for a long night…
18:15
History against Liverpool
You know a task is hard when it’s never been done before.
If Liverpool are to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals, they are going to have to do something that no one has managed before in the competition.
In Europa League history, on 132 occasions the away side has won the first leg of a two-legged tie by three or more goals. Never have any of those leads been overturned.
The Reds are going to have to create history if they want to make the last four.
18:10
Mountain to climb for Hammers
As Whitney Houston said, there ain’t no mountain high enough.
West Have have an improbable task in front of them tonight, but that doesn’t mean they can surprise the footballing world.
The Hammers are certainly up against it, turning a 2-0 deficit around against the most in-form side in Europe, Bayer Leverkusen, who are yet to lose a game in all competitions, is extremely unlikely.
However, the players can’t think like that. The Hammers will have the benefit of a home crowd unlike their English counterparts Liverpool, which will be a huge help.
Can they put the cat amongst the pigeons?
18:06
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
Why Arsenal’s Club World Cup fate rests on Champions League glory
Big task for Reds in Bergamo
It’s plain and simple, the Reds have a mammoth assignment in front of them tonight.
When the Reds took to the Anfield turf last week to face a side sixth in Serie A, no one could have foreseen the events that would unfold.
Liverpool hadn’t lost in 14 months at home, but that soon changed. They weren’t just beaten by Atalanta, they were battered while not being able to throw any counter-punches.
Fast forward three days and the Anfield crowd were left stunned once again when Eberechi Eze of Crystal dealt a huge blow to their title hopes, inflicting a second defeat on the Reds within a week.
Tonight is the chance for Liverpool to bounce back. Even if they aren’t to qualify tonight, a win would do them a huge amount of good for their domestic challenge.
The odds are certainly not in their favour, Atalanta showed their quality last week, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were to cause Liverpool more pain again.
But if anybody can turn this tie around, Liverpool can.
18:02
Elsewhere in Europe
Let’s not forget, it’s not just British sides in action, there are two other huge ties elsewhere in Europe, and throughout the night we will give you updates on the ongoings in both of them.
So, let’s have a look at the other Europa League semi-finals, which I must say are looking very tasty:
- Marseille vs Benfica (agg 1-2) 20:00 GMT
- Roma vs AC Milan (agg 1-0) 20:00 GMT
18:01
What’s in store?
The pressure is on. It’s do or die for many teams in Europe tonight, none more so than Liverpool and West Ham who will need to achieve the unthinkable to progress to the Europa League last four.
That’s what’s on the line tonight, a Europa League semi-final, and here are the ties we are serving up for you this evening:
- Atalanta vs Liverpool (agg 3-0) 20:00 GMT
- West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen (agg 0-2) 20:00 GMT
18:00
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
Can lightning strike twice?
Does anybody detect a hint of de ja vu?
Liverpool have their backs up against the wall to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Atalanta at Anfield in the first leg.
After speaking to Liverpool fans, even they don’t believe they can turn this one around, but you just never know with the Reds – they’ve done it before. Can Jurgen Klopp’s side produce another historical European night?
West Ham are also in need of a miracle this evening at the London Stadium. They face the unbeaten newly-crowned German champions, Bayer Leverkusen, who they were defeated by 2-0, last week.
Both British sides are well and truly down, but they are not out…yet.
Will it be a night to remember? I guess we will all find out together.
First published by: Daily Mail
