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Atletico Madrid became the first team to knock out Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in a two-legged European tie as the Spanish team advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. On top of that, the former La Liga champions ended the Reds' 42-game unbeaten run at Anfield and in the process handed them their first Champions League loss in six years.
Liverpool started the game well and were dominant for the most part, having gained the lead early in extra-time courtesy of Roberto Firmino. However, a mistake by deputy goalkeeper Adrian resulted in a rocket goal by Marcos Llorente to make the aggregate score in the tie 2-2. Another Liverpool lapse in defense saw the 25-year-old get himself a brace as he rounded a shot past Adrian yet again. Alvaro Morata completed the comeback and humiliation when he scored his team's third deep into extra time.
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It was a night to remember for Diego Simeone's side as they knocked the defending champions out of the competition in what is the upset of the round of 16. Here are the hits and flops from this game as Atletico Madrid silenced the famous Anfield crowd.
#5 Hit - Jan Oblak
His exemplary counterpart Alisson Becker may have missed the game today, but Jan Oblak reminded the world why he is considered to be one of the, if not the best goalkeeper in the world.
The Slovenian international has been one of the top three keepers in the world for quite some time now, and his stock has risen even more after a fantastic display at Anfield. The brilliant shot-stopper made nine saves and claimed two balls perfectly as his safe hands and positioning skill denied the Reds a few more goals.
Liverpool will look back at the game and feel that they should have tested Oblak maybe a bit more, but the goalkeeper was active throughout the match and was world-class whenever called upon. Simeone will be very happy with the display by Oblak, who will look to continue his form in the next round.
#4 Flop - Diego Costa
Although his team moves onto the next round, it was a rough night personally for Diego Costa. The Spanish international cut an isolated figure at the tip of Atletico's attack and was subbed off by his manager five minutes before the hour mark; a decision which he did not like as he kicked a water bottle on the way to his seat on the bench.
Despite winning a few aerial duels, the former Chelsea player had just 19 touches off the ball during his 55 minutes on the field. He completed just 50% of his passes and fouled more times than he made an impact in the final third of the field. It was Costa's first start in 4 months, so the striker will be hoping to bounce back in the quarter-finals.
#3 Hit - Georginio Wijnaldum
Nobody in the Liverpool camp will be happy tonight, but the ever-smiling Georginio Wijnaldum can take some solace from his individual performance against Atletico Madrid.
A game-changing substitute in Liverpool's semi-final clash against Barcelona last season, Wijnadlum started the game this time around and showed up yet again for the Reds on the biggest of stages, despite his efforts ultimately being in vain. The Netherlands international scored the first goal of the game through a brilliant header and was involved in the build-up for the second goal too. Wijnaldum also created 3 key chances and won 5 aerial duels.
The former Newcastle United midfielder was Liverpool's best player, but it might not be a night which he would want to remember.
#2 Flop - Adrian
Adrian was Liverpool's hero in the Super Cup triumph against Chelsea a few months back, and now he is the main reason why his team will not play in next year's Super Cup - life comes at you fast. The Spanish goalkeeper has had two horror games in the past week as he committed two crucial errors in two knockout ties which saw Liverpool lose to Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
Adrian's wayward pass through his goal kick was collected by Atletico Madrid, and substitute Llorente hit the ball past the retreating goalkeeper, who could only hold his head in horror. Although not particularly at fault for the second goal, Adrian looked nervous throughout the game and his error opened the floodgates for his team's collapse. After a great start to his Liverpool career, things might have come to a bitter end for Adrian at Anfield.
#1 Hit - Marcos Llorente
Last year, it was super-sub Wijnaldum who turned things around at Anfield after coming on in the second half for his team. This time around, it was Marcos Llorente who came up clutch for Atletico Madrid, as he scored a brace in extra time and led his team to an unlikely victory at Anfield.
The Spanish international was subbed on for fellow countryman Costa in the 55th minute. After a relatively quiet end to normal time, the midfielder set Anfield alight with his strike in the 97th minute to give his team their first goal and a chance at the tie. Just eight minutes later, Llorente unleashed another brilliant shot from outside the penalty area as the ball passed by a helpless Adrian. He also assisted Morata for the final goal in the 121st minute.
Simeone's substitute paid off major dividends as the 25-year-old shocked Liverpool and the world with his performance in one of the most intimidating environments in sports. Llorente will remember this night for years to come, as his team got the better of the defending champions.
