Why Diogo Jota must start for Liverpool in Atalanta BC second leg
Immediately regarded as one of the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy aloft once their top-four failure last season was confirmed, putting a staggering 11 strikes past Sparta Prague over two legs would seemingly be a harbinger of doom for an Atalanta BC side flattering to deceive domestically.
As it was, Liverpool were the ones who left a lot to be desired in front of the Kop last Thursday, where Klopp was left aghast as Gianluca Scamacca's brace and Mario Pasalic's strike sealed an unforeseen 3-0 triumph for Gian Piero Gasperini's troops.
While Liverpool's first-leg showing was nothing short of abysmal — as was their worrying profligacy in the weekend's Premier League loss to Crystal Palace — no Atalanta fan needs reminding of how the Reds have become synonymous with extraordinary European fightbacks since the turn of the millennium.
Twenty-seven points won from losing positions in the 2023-24 Premier League season is also the best record of its kind — three more than closest challengers Manchester City — although Liverpool are yet to fight back from three goals down in the top flight this term.
Diogo Jota thrives in Europa League actionFurthermore, 132 previous Europa League/UEFA Cup ties have seen an away team win a first leg of a knockout match by at least three goals, and on 132 occasions, the victorious travellers progressed to the next stage.
However, Klopp is now ready to unleash the Europa League ace up his sleeve in the form of Diogo Jota, who has once again been bedevilled by injuries this
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