If Liverpool’s season has largely been one of constantly defying expectations, then that ability faces the ultimate test this evening.
The capacity to surprise that worked against the Reds in front of a stunned Anfield last week means they must produce one of their greatest European escape acts here in Bergamo to keep alive hopes of Jurgen Klopp completing the set of major honours as manager.
Nothing will perhaps ever quite match the comeback that saw a three-goal deficit overturned in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona almost five years ago.
Jurgen Klopp revives famous message as Liverpool aim for new European miracle
READ MORE; Jurgen Klopp dismisses suggestion Liverpool can't cope with one tactic
Recovering a similar margin against Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-final, however, would run it close, not least with Liverpool having never before progressed in the four previous times they have lost a first leg at home, the most recent of which was, of course, against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.
There is, though, more at stake than maintaining hopes of a final date in Dublin next month. With the clock ticking down on the final days of Klopp’s reign, the hopes of the departing boss claiming a second Premier League title were severely damaged by Sunday’s loss to Crystal Palace.
Having gone more than 12 months without defeat at Anfield, to lose twice there in the space of three days – including only a second top-flight reverse at home in front of supporters in seven years – has prompted fears Liverpool’s unexpectedly impressive campaign is running out of steam at precisely the wrong time.
The run-in, so often a strength under Klopp regardless of what has gone before during the
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk