A remarkable feat in a temple of world football! On Matchday 4 of Group D of the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League at Anfield the Nerazzurri beat reigning Premier League and World Cup winners Liverpool 2-0, writing another fantastic page in the club’s history. Iličić and Gosens’ goals in the second half define the result.
There was a dutiful minute’s silence before kick-off for Diego Armando Maradona, who died today aged 60. The Nerazzurri were organised and played with personality and tested Alisson from the very first minutes. Iličić’s finish after four minutes was off target, while Gosens hit a rocket at the near post form a tight angle on 9 forcing Alisson to pull off a brilliant save. One minute later, Gomez drilled just wide. The defenders didn’t concede anything to Liverpool who had the first attempt on 44 through Salah, who fired over the bar. Previously (on 36) Iličić had penalty appeals for a shirt tug inside the box, but the referee didn’t award it.
In the second half, the convincing Nerazzurri’s performance become reality on 60 as Gomez floated the ball over the top from the left and Ilicic came sliding in for a low volley from close range, who returned to scoring and did so on an incredible stage. Four minutes went by and Atalanta doubled their lead as Hateboer nodded down for Gosens who scored a left-foot volley. A deadly one-two that allowed the Nerazzurri to manage the last half hour without apprehension and seal a historic enterprise. The Nerazzurri thus climb to 7 points in the group, in second place behind Liverpool on 9 which until tonight had not yet conceded a goal and had always won. Gasperini thus celebrates his 200th Nerazzurri appearance with a highly prestigious win.
LIVERPOOL 0-2 ATALANTA
Goals: Iličić 60 (A), Gosens 64 (A)
Liverpool: Alisson, N. Williams, R. Williams, Matip (Minamino 85), Tsimikas (Robertson 61), Jones, Wijnaldum (Fabinho 61), Milner, Salah (Jota 61), Origi (Firmino 61), Manè. Bench: Adrian, Kelleher, Cain, Clarkson, Koumetio. Coach: Jurgen Klopp.
Atalanta: Gollini, Toloi, Romero, Djimsiti, Hateboer, de Roon, Pessina (Miranchuk 85), Freuler, Gosens (Mojica 75), Iličić (Zapata 70), Gomez. Bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Palomino, Lammers, Muriel, Piccini, Ruggeri, Scalvini, Panada. Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini.
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP).
Assistants: Juan Carlos Yuste (ESP) and Roberto Alonso Fernandes (ESP).
Fourth official: Josè Luis Munuera Montero (ESP).
V.A.R.:Alejandro Hernandez (ESP).
A.V.A.R.: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez (ESP).
Notes: Tsimikas (L), de Roon (A) booked.
