Atalanta players given rarely seen gesture at Anfield after thrashing Liverpool

Atalanta players were given a rarely seen gesture after hammering Liverpool 3-0 in the Europa League quarter-final first leg at Anfield.

The Reds, one of the favourites for the competition, were pumped on their own turf for the first time a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in February 2023.

Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca bagged in either half, while Mario Pasalic scored the third to give Gian Piero Gasperini's side a healthy lead going into next week's second leg.

Liverpool produced one of their worst performances under Jurgen Klopp, with one player in particular getting panned on social media.

But as bad as the Carabao Cup winners, Atalanta were exceptional and did a number on Klopp's men.

And their display led to an uncommon response from the home fans. According to James Pearce from The Athletic, Atalanta players were applauded off the pitch by Liverpool supporters.

The ovation for an opposition side does not happen all that often but speaks volumes of how well Atalanta played on Merseyside.

Image: Getty

Some Liverpool fans were seen leaving for the exit after the third goal went in and it was apparent that the Anfield atmosphere was not at its usual level.

Supporters protested over newly announced season ticket price increases by refraining from raising flags and banners in the Kop and many feel it had a huge impact on the lack of noise.

Liverpool now have a huge task in the second leg at the Gewiss Stadium next week and Reds legend Jamie Carragher believes Klopp should field a weakened side and focus on the league.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Carragher wrote: "Awful result & performance from Liverpool, the only consolation about getting beat so heavily is Jurgen should play a full second string in the second leg & go all in for the league!”

Liverpool look for a swift response when they return to action against Crystal Palace on Sunday.