Moment spotted when Jurgen Klopp's magic failed to work against Atalanta

Liverpool's hopes of European glory were left in tatters on Thursday night after Atalanta stormed to a stunning 3-0 victory in the Europa League quarter-final first leg at Anfield.

The Reds were perhaps fortunate to go in at the break just a goal down, with Atalanta smothering Jurgen Klopp’s side with their high press and man-marking, creating the clearer chances in the opening 45.

Klopp made a triple change at the break - and it didn’t have the desired outcome at all. In fact, Atalanta went two goals up 15 minutes later when a completely unmarked Scamacca calmly converted another cross from the right with a volley.

Things then went from bad to worse when Pasalic pounced to score a tap-in after Kelleher fumbled Ederson’s effort into his path in the 83rd minute.

On deaf ears

It was a night when nothing went to plan for the Reds, a night when they needed their fans' support. And yet, there was a strange atmosphere inside Anfield on the night.

As noted by Liverpool Echo's journalist Ian Doyle, even Klopp's attempt to galvanise the crowd at 0-2 fell flat, with only a handful responding to his pleas for increased volume from the Main Stand.

The journalist posted on X: “Klopp turns to the Main Stand and urges them to raise the volume. About four people respond. Lots of disinterested #LFC fans this evening”.

Subdued crowd

Overall, the lacklustre performance on the pitch mirrored the subdued mood in the stands, as Liverpool failed to muster any semblance of their trademark intensity and character.

This moment involving the Liverpool manager captured the sombre mood at Anfield, highlighting the stark contrast to the electrifying European nights the stadium has witnessed in the past.

With the characteristic flags missing from the Kop due to fan protests against ticket price hikes, the lack of fervour from both players and supporters was palpable throughout the match.

The defeat, Liverpool's first in 14 months at home, not only marks one of Liverpool's worst performances under Klopp but also leaves them facing an uphill battle to salvage any hope of Europe an glory this season.