Liverpool were stunned at Anfield after losing 3-0 to Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal tie.

Jurgen Klopp made changes before kickoff, but they almost backfired, with his team relying on Caoimhin Kelleher to make a stunning save from Mario Pasalic at point blank range.

The Reds were far from their best, but Gianluca Scamacca gave his team a deserved lead, despite his effort slipping through Kelleher’s grasp.

Despite a triple substitution at halftime, Liverpool couldn’t recover, and Scamacca doubled Atalanta’s lead after more poor defending, before Mario Pasalic added a third to send the Italians into dreamland ahead of next week’s second leg in Bergamo.

Atalanta stunned Liverpool at Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3) 

Caoimhin Kelleher – 5

Pasalic made a stunning save early on, but Kelleher was to blame for the first goal, as he let Scamacca’s shot slip through his grasp. He made some good saves after that, though his parry fell at Pasalic’s feet for Atalanta’s third goal.

Joe Gomez – 5.5 

He lacked his usual composure on the right and didn’t know whether he was coming or going when dealing with Atalanta’s split strikers, who were constantly getting in behind. Attacking is wasteful.

Ibrahima Konate – 6 

Struggled to deal with a dangerous attacking trio, and was at fault for Scamacca’s second goal by putting De Ketelaere onside before leaving the former West Ham flop in open space.

Virgil van Dijk – 6 

Surprisingly unsteady, with the Serie A side constantly cutting Liverpool open, while the Reds struggled against their opponents’ pressure. Also missed a good chance at a corner.

Kostas Tsimikas – 5.5 

Exposed in his first start since February, with Zappacosta and Koopmeiners causing him all sorts of problems, and he was completely out of position in the build-up to Scamacca’s first goal. Hooked at halftime.

Joe Gomez lacked his usual composure and struggled to deal with Atalanta’s attackers

Wataru Endo – 6 

He failed to provide the defensive screening that he had been doing for most of the season. One of several Liverpool players who were off-colour at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6 

A strong contender for Liverpool’s Player of the Season, the Argentine had one of his quietest performances in a Reds shirt.

Curtis Jones – 7

A nice ball to set up a Nunez chance, and we got some good positions on the inside left channel. Perhaps a harsh replacement at halftime.

Harvey Elliott – 6.5 

Unlucky not to score after his curled effort hit the post and bar, he failed to take advantage of his opportunity from the start.

Darwin Nunez – 5

He missed a golden opportunity at 0-0 when he should have gone around Musso, before blazing over inside the box in the second half. If Nunez wants to advance, he must improve his goal-scoring ability.

Cody Gakpo – 6 

Caused occasional problems coming in off the left as the Dutch forward returned to form, but he was unable to inspire his team to a comeback.

Mohamed Salah failed to inspire Liverpool when coming off the bench and had a goal ruled out

SUBSTITUTES 

Mohamed Salah (for Harvey Elliott, 45 mins) –  5 

He finished well for his disallowed goal, but he should not have been caught offside. Two other good chances were squandered, and even Liverpool’s talisman failed to inspire them on this bleak night.

Andy Robertson (for Kostas Tsimikas, 45 mins) –  6.5 

A bright spot for Liverpool, he added impetus down the left and played a lovely ball for Salah’s disallowed goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai (for Curtis Jones, 45 mins) – 5 

Looked to add energy, but made a terrible mistake on Atalanta’s third, which could prove critical in the tie. I also missed a good chance late on.

Luis Diaz (for Darwin Nunez, 60 mins) – 5.5 

Struggled to get himself in the game, although he tested Musso with one chance. 

Diogo Jota (for Endo, 75 mins) – 5.5 

Jota’s return to the pitch for the first time since February was a welcome sight, but he arrived too late to have an impact on this game.

Subs not used: Adrian, Quansah, Bradley, Alexander-Arnold, Bajcetic, Clark, Gravenberch

Booked: None

Scorers: None