SALAH STRIKES BUT LIVERPOOL'S COMEBACK STALLS AS ATALANTA REACH THE LAST FOUR

Mohamed Salah was on target but Liverpool's hopes of a famous comeback were thwarted as they bowed out of the UEFA Europa League at the quarter-final stage despite a 1-0 victory at Atalanta.

Jurgen Klopp's men faced an almost impossible task following a shock 3-0 home reversal in the first leg at Anfield and so it proved as La Dea progressed 3-1 on aggregate.

The Merseyside club got off to the perfect start on seven minutes when Salah netted his 24th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

The Egyptian then wasted a gilt-edged chance to double Liverpool's lead on the night when he lobbed wide when sent clear by Cody Gakpo.

Atalanta improved following the interval and should have levelled but Ederson shot straight at Alisson.

Liverpool ran out of ideas midway through the second period and never looked like setting up a barnstorming finale in what will prove to be Klopp's final match in charge in Europe.

Atalanta will now meet Marseille or Benfica in the semi finals. Liverpool will turn their full attention to the Premier League title race and a match at Fulham on Sunday.