Liverpool (dpa) - Defending champion FC Liverpool has been eliminated in the round of 16 of the Champions League. The team of coach Jürgen Klopp lost on Wednesday in the second round second leg against Atlético Madrid after extra time 2: 3 (1-0, 1-0).
That was too little after the 0-1 in the first leg. Marcos Llorente (97./105.+1) with his double pack in extra time destroyed all the dreams of the fans in the packed stadium on Anfield for a season with championship and the title in the premier class. Alvaro Morata (120th + 1) scored the goal to the final result.
Georginio Wijnaldum (43.) scored in regular time and initially made up for the defeat three weeks ago. Roberto Firmino then scored the supposedly decisive goal to make it 2-0 (94th) before Llorente shot the Spaniards towards the quarterfinals. The first goal was preceded by a mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper Adrián, the equalizer fell after a counterattack. Adrian didn't look good here either.
The Klopp-Elf was superior over long distances and had chances, but the guests held out for a long time with a compact and aggressive defense. The guests, in 2014 and 2016 the top rival of the premier class, inferior to the city rival Real Madrid, limited themselves to a few counterattacks. Wijnaldum (43.) punished that with a massive header after a cross from Oxlade-Chamberlain.
With the lead in the back, Liverpool pushed for the second goal in the second half. Oblak saved against Trent Alexander-Arnold (60th), Andrew Robertson hit the crossbar with his head (66th). Atlético remained dangerous. Mega talent João Félix checked Liverpool goalkeeper Adrián (61.). Saul Niguez scored in the added time of the regular season to alleged compensation, but was clearly on the side.
In the Premier League, Liverpool is the first championship in 30 years to take. The Reds lead the table after 29 game days with a 25 point lead over Master Manchester City, who still has to play a catch-up game. Only two more wins separate Klopp and his team from the 19th championship, which was eagerly awaited in Liverpool. To what extent the coronavirus pandemic still has an impact on the English league is still open.
Liverpool FC
Atlético Madrid
