Atalanta 0-5 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Electric Diogo Jota Scores First Reds Hat-Trick

 

Liverpool stormed to a comprehensive victory away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night, securing a four-point cushion at the top of Group D at the halfway point of the group stage.

The Reds dominated proceedings from the first whistle and were happy to hold the ball and draw out Atalanta, whose press was far too lifeless and disorganised. The Italians caught Liverpool in possession once or twice within the first 10 minutes, but were punished for giving Jurgen Klopp's side too much space in behind when Diogo Jota finished off an exquisite long ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold after 16 minutes.

He added a second just after the half-hour mark as the Premier League champions continued to pick holes in an intimidated Atalanta back three up until the half-time whistle. Gian Piero Gasperini's side conceded a third 47 minutes in as Mohamed Salah chased down a long ball from a poor Atalanta corner.

The floodgates opened after this and Sadio Mane added a fourth two minutes after, before Jota completed his hat-trick in composed fashion after 55 minutes. A late flurry saw Duvan Zapata score from an offside position in injury time, but Atalanta were largely helpless. Three points would've been enough for Liverpool, but a clean sheet was the sweetener and the perfect maiden Champions League start for 19-year-old Rhys Williams.