European hits and misses: Liverpool need a miracle in Atalanta return leg to keep Europa League hopes alive

A 3-0 drubbing by Atalanta was not supposed to be how it ends. Liverpool need a miracle. Either that, or a sprinkling of gold dust from the European vaults, the sort that sparks a comeback for the ages.

Liverpool and famous European fightbacks. Rings a faint bell.

Many memorable nights have been enjoyed in Europe under Jurgen Klopp. This was not one of them.

The German made six changes to the Reds' starting XI, in a bid to freshen things up following a taxing trip to Old Trafford at the weekend, but the swaps did exactly the opposite. Everything felt strained and laboured - ponderous in possession and ragged out of it.

Tactically, Klopp admitted Liverpool "lost the plot". Virgil van Dijk conceded their backline, which he usually so ably leads, was "wide open". The equivalent of pushing the big red 'self-destruct' button.

Asked if the tie was still alive post-match, Klopp said: "I don't want to talk about that". His final European foray risks ending with a damp squib, but for a miraculous recovery in Bergamo next Thursday.

They couldn't, could they?
Laura Hunter

Everything Xabi Alonso touches turns to gold - and West Ham found that out the hard way.

David Moyes nearly produced a masterclass in resolute defending as his side frustrated the hosts for 82 minutes. West Ham had even gone close with the best chance of the first half at the end of a quick counter-attack.

But Alonso, the hottest property in management, was not going to be denied coming up against Premier League opposition for the first time. His calm presence on the touchline transferred to his team. Leverkusen stayed patient.

Alonso's first changes were subtle. West Ham were restricted going forward far more in the second half than the first as Leverkusen cut off the