Liverpool fans produced a moment of respect after some stayed back to applaud Atalanta players outside the Anfield pitch on Thursday night.
Many Reds supporters left the pitch immediately after full-time once Liverpool’s 3-0 Europa League defeat against the Italian side was confirmed.
However, some remained in their seats to watch the Atalanta players celebrate with their traveling fans, who were loud after inflicting a first home defeat on Jurgen Klopp’s side in 14 months.
The cheerful Atalanta stars were celebrating emphatically with their fans, who were delighted after their shock victory in a scene that largely mirrored Klopp’s typical post-match celebrations.
Once they had finished applauding their supporters, the away players walked towards the tunnel leading back to the dressing room and were surprisingly chased off the pitch by the Liverpool fans who had stayed behind.
Liverpool fans showed their respect for opposing players after Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Atalanta.
Jurgen Klopp’s Europa League ambitions suffered a blow when Atalanta claimed a 3-0 win in the first leg.
Some Liverpool fans inside Anfield stayed behind after full time to carry Atalanta players off the pitch.
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The respectful fans around the Anfield stands were clearly impressed by Atalanta’s emphatic attacking performance and wanted to pay their respects.
Atalanta’s players appeared momentarily taken aback by the unusual show of support as they briskly left the field ahead of next week’s final second leg match.
Liverpool fans also praised the show of respect online after taking to X, where one supporter declared: “There is no dispute about that result.” 1. Liverpool were outplayed all over the pitch 2. Klopp was tactically embarrassed 3. Atalanta deserve the win and to be applauded by both sets of fans at the end. Roll in the second leg.
Another added similarly: ‘Liverpool fans showed class!! Atalanta players are applauded by local fans.
The Liverpool players cut dejected figures after the match as they left the Anfield pitch.
Others echoed similar sentiments, adding: “I’m not surprised the Atalanta players were applauded by the home fans. Truly deserved victory.”
Some fans criticized Liverpool’s disastrous performance, but praised Atalanta’s impressive dominance, stating: “A chaotic performance tonight at Anfield.” And as much as I don’t like Italian clubs, mainly because of their fans, Atalanta were outstanding and won deservedly, a great game plan from their coach Gasperini.
“The cunning old fox got the better of Klopp tonight with ease. Credit to them.’
Liverpool face the likely prospect of being eliminated from the competition next week with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline unless they can overturn the deficit in Italy.