Liverpool crash out of Champions League, Atletico advance to quarters
UEFA Champions League holders Liverpool crashed out at the last 16 stage after losing to Atletico Madrid in a five-goal thriller on Wednesday night at Anfield.
There was a surprise start for Diego Costa in the Atletico attack while Joao Felix also returned after missing first-leg win the Spanish capital. For the hosts, captain Jordan Henderson returned to the side after missing the last three weeks.
It was no surprise to see the Reds dominating possession in the early stages of the encounter as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went closest to scoring in the openings but for a save from Atletico’s Jan Oblak.
Atletico under Diego Simeone were known for their ability to frustrate team as they did in the first leg, but they also had Oblak to thank after the shot-stopper produced a couple fine saves to deny Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
🔴⚪️ Atlético ended Liverpool's 25-match unbeaten home run in European games (W18 D7) to reach last 8.#UCL pic.twitter.com/1Z1xcCqcYB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2020
However, the visitors’ resistance eventually broke just before the halftime break as Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross found Georginio Wijnaldum, who sent a fine header into the far corner.
🔴⚪️ Jan Oblak secures #UCLMOTM prize after THAT stunning display at Anfield 🙌
👉 He'll be one of four players you can vote for to claim the Player of the Week crown 👑 pic.twitter.com/P9iSPWThkR
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2020
The onslaught continued in the second half but Oblak was at his best yet again to deny Mane and and Roberto Firmino in the opening 15 minutes, while Adrian was called upon at the other end to deny Felix and Correa.
When the Reds did manage to beat Oblak, they were met by the woodwork as Andrew Robertson saw his close-range header crash against the crossbar in the 67th minute as Atletico were pinned in their own half.
Jurgen Klopp then decided to re-shuffle his pack with 15 minutes remaining as the lively Oxlade-Chamberlain made way for veteran midfielder James Milner.
The game ultimately went to extra-time, where the`Reds took the lead in the tie for the first time when Firmino slotted into an empty net after his initial header was hit the upright.
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However, the joy was short-lived as Atletico grabbed a vital away goal in the 97th minute as Marcos Llorente made it 2-2 on aggregate with a close range finish after an error from Adrian. The visitors then bagged a second goal on the stroke of halftime in extra-time, with Llorente completing his brace by turning home a cross from Alvaro Morata.
The Reds were unable to secure the two unanswered goals that would have secured passage while Morata sealed the contest with the final kick of the game to seal a 3-2 second-leg win and a 4-2 win on aggregate.