Home UK News Liverpool vs Atalanta – Europa League quarter-finals: Live score, team news and updates as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to build lead in first leg while David Moyes’ West Ham face daunting trip to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool vs Atalanta – Europa League quarter-finals: Live score, team news and updates as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to build lead in first leg while David Moyes’ West Ham face daunting trip to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen

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Liverpool vs Atalanta – Europa League quarter-finals: Live score, team news and updates as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to build lead in first leg while David Moyes’ West Ham face daunting trip to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen

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‘Huge task for West Ham tonight’

Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the BayArena:

A huge task for West Ham tonight against the 41-game unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen. The locals are certainly confident – one fans was telling me on the train that he’s already booked his hotel for Dublin, where the final will be played.

They need just one more win to secure the Bundesliga title and tickets for their final game of the season are allegedly going for 1,000 Euros. A buoyant atmosphere in these parts.

Liverpool Team News – SIX changes

The fact Jurgen Klopp has made six changes and the team is still this strong proves the strength in depth Liverpool have.

Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Kostas Tsimikas all come in.

There is also a place on the bench for both Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold, which is a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp.

West Ham Team News – Antonio STARTS

There is our answer, Michail Antonio replaces the injured Jarrod Bowen up top.

He is one of just two changes to the starting 11, as Aaron Cresswell comes in for Edson Alvarez.

Does that suggest a change of formation?

Bayer Leverkusen Team News – SEVEN changes

Xabi Alonso has run the changes, making seven in total.

Patrik Schick, the here of the last 16, returns to start in the hope of adding to his goal tally.

Jeremie Frimpong is also a standout to start as Nathan Tella drops to the bench.

The amount of changes proves their strength in depth

Jurgen Klopp: ‘We expect a super-organised opponent’

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, speaking on Wednesday:

We expect a super-organised opponent, so that’s what we expect. An experienced opponent as well. It means two legs, [the] first [one] away is a clear advantage, what everybody says. It just will be interesting. We are not the same [from] three-and-a-half years ago.

We are definitely different and the opponent probably as well. But in these three-and-a-half years I saw 1,500 games probably. I saw Atalanta playing but I cannot really compare it with three-and-a-half years ago because that’s not very prominent in my mind. But it will be tricky for both.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Alan Martin/Action Plus/Shutterstock (14424907ay) Press conference and training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Liverpool and Atalanta in Liverpool, England. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaking to the media during today's press conference at Anfield ahead of tomorrow's match; Anfield and AXA Training Centre, Liverpool, Merseyside, England. Liverpool training session and press conference, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, Liverpool, UK - 10 Apr 2024

Hammers in the building

West Ham have arrived in Leverkusen.

It’s a huge night for them, and they are scouting out the surroundings before the night ahead.

I must say, the pitch looks like a carpet.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock (14424882c) David Moyes manager of West Ham United Bayer 04 Leverkusen v West Ham United, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - 11 Apr 2024
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock (14424882d) Kurt Zouma of West Ham United gestures towards the fans Bayer 04 Leverkusen v West Ham United, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - 11 Apr 2024

Gomes set for England return

Angel Gomes, remember the name?

Gomes was one of the most sought-after talents while at Manchester United, everyone expected him to have a brilliant career, and so far he has.

The midfielder has proved his worth at Lille and is set to make his return to English soil tonight.

Watch out for what he does…

Calm before the storm

Look at Anfield right now, so peaceful.

This place really does get rocking on nights like tonight, the European atmosphere inside Anfield is no myth.

They’ve seen many highs, and they’ve seen many lows, and tonight another chapter is set to be written in Liverpool’s book of European history.

Will it be one to remember?

epa11273000 A general view of Anfield stadium ahead of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, 1st leg match between Liverpool FC and Atalanta BC in Liverpool, Britain, 11 April 2024.  EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
epa11272999 UEFA Europa League branding on display in Anfield stadium ahead of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, 1st leg match between Liverpool FC and Atalanta BC in Liverpool, Britain, 11 April 2024.  EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN

Unai Emery: ‘Europe is always difficult’

Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager, speaking on Wednesday:

Firstly, we must always respect the competition and Europe is always difficult. It is good to have experiences in this competition.

Sometimes we have difficult moments like against Legia Warsaw, when we won against Zrinjski in the last minute. We played two legs against Ajax and that was a very good experience for us.

We drew there, didn’t deserve more and at home we played really being consistent and with personality, seriously. We won. Lille is the same. Respect the competition and respect the opponent.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Unai Emery head coach of Aston Villa talks to the press  during a press conference at Bodymoor Heath training ground on April 10, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Emery’s chase for more European glory continues

When you think of Unai Emery, you think of European trophies.

Emery is a master when it comes to European club competition, he has won four Europa League titles, with the latest coming in 2021 with Villarreal.

Aston Villa couldn’t be in better hands, so surely, their fans have no need to worry.

I know that’s not how football works. I’m sure all Villa fans will be a bag of nerves in just over 90 minutes.

Will Emery secure another European title this season?

Villarreal's Spanish coach Unai Emery kisses the trophy as he celebrates winning the  UEFA Europa League final football match between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at the Gdansk Stadium in Gdansk on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Michael Sohn / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL SOHN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso: ‘We know what West Ham can do’

Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen boss, speaking on Wednesday:

We know what West Ham can do. They have experience in Europe – last season they were champions of the Conference League.

We want to go further and starting tomorrow and then next week in London, we have to play to our own game. We are ready.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 10: Headcoach Xabi Alonso of Leverkusen during the press conference ahead of their the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match against West Ham United FC at BayArena on April 10, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

Bowen out through injury

If tonight’s task wasn’t already tough enough for West Ham, they will have to face Bayer Leverkusen without their top marksman, Jarrod Bowen.

The Hammers star man, who has netted 19 times this season, suffered a knee injury against Wolves and may miss the second leg as well.

It’s a major blow to David Moyes’ side, Bowen would have caused Leverkusen all sorts of problems.

Well, he won’t now. Who will start instead of him?

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 6: West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen sustains an injury as Michail Antonio points out something to referee Tony Harrington during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on April 6, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England.(Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

How strong will Klopp go?

In answer to the question, I have no clue.

On the one hand, Jurgen Klopp will not want to hold back in search of the only trophy that has evaded his grasp while at Liverpool.

But on the other hand, the Reds are in an intense three-way battle for the Premier League title, and that’s the holy grail that all fans and players alike are after.

Klopp has stated Liverpool ‘need all’ their players to help them compete in both competitions, so that could mean a lot of rotation will be done tonight, but who knows?

He may be able to call upon Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, and Diogo Jota after they all returned to training, but they may be kept on the sidelines for a little longer.

It’s anybody’s guess what he’ll do.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: ( THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Diogo Jota of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 quarter-final first leg training and press conference at  on April 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 quarter-final first leg training and press conference at AXA Training Centre on April 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

UECL favourites Villa face Lille

Tonight is simply huge for Aston Villa.

Their fans have not seen them grace a European quarter-final since 1997-98, so we could be set to hear a special atmosphere at Villa Park.

The Premier League side have more than earned their Europa Conference League ‘favourites’ status through their fantastic performances in the league and in Europe.

While Lille may not have been best pleased to draw Villa, they will certainly feel they can cause the top-four chasers’ problems, especially with Jonathan David up top.

A big occasion, involving big teams – what European competition is about.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Aston Villa players celebrate during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Aston Villa and AFC Ajax at Villa Park on March 14, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Hammers’ stern test

It’s fair to say that West Ham did not get the easiest draw.

David Moyes’ side are travelling to the Bundesliga runaway leaders, Bayer Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in all competitions this season, yes you read that right.

Xabi Alonso has been a revelation in his first season at Leverkusen and they are set to end Bayern Munich’s 11-year stranglehold on the German top-tier.

Now, after reading that, you may think West Ham have no chance but don’t be fooled, David Moyes’ side can certainly mix it with the big boys.

You have to remember, the teams Leverkusen have faced this season have been far from special, other than the bigger sides of course.

They nearly got knocked out by Qarabag in the last 16 before their powers of recovery reigned supreme again. West Ham will be one of Alonso’s toughest opponents yet.

Can the Hammers hand out Leverkusen’s first loss of the campaign?

West Ham United's French defender #04 Kurt Zouma (C) celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium, in London on April 2, 2024. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /  (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso, center, embraces Jeremie Frimpong, left, beside the club mascot after winning the German soccer cup match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Fortuna Duesseldorf in Leverkusen, Germany, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Liverpool back on the European trail

Liverpool love European football, no matter what the competition.

The Reds have been tearing up the Europa League this season and are clear favourites to lift the trophy in Dublin late next month.

While many think they will breeze to the final, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.

Tonight, Jurgen Klopp’s men play host to Atalanta, who have caused them problems in the past – beating them at Anfield in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage.

The Italian side are European regulars these days and currently sit sixth in Serie A, five points behind fellow Europa League quarter-finalists, Roma.

However, many still rightly expect a Liverpool win here tonight. The Reds will want to take their anger out on the pitch after their 2-2 draw to rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

They will be going for goals, lots of them.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on March 31, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Elsewhere in Europe

Let’s not forget, it’s not just British sides in action, there are some huge ties elsewhere in Europe, and throughout the night we will give you updates on the ongoings around the grounds.

Warning, there are some crackers here, so let’s have a look at them:

  • Benfica vs Marseille 20:00 BST
  • AC Milan vs Roma 20:00 BST
  • Club Brugge vs PAOK Salonika 20:00 BST
  • Olympiakos 1-0 Fenerbahce
  • Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Fiorentina

What’s in store?

When you get to the last eight in any competition, whether it’s your local Sunday league tournament or the Europa League, the pressure starts to rise.

Many of the teams will be feeling it tonight, it’s a big European night for all the British sides. Let’s take a look at our main feature games for you tonight:

  • Liverpool vs Atalanta 20:00 BST
  • Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham 20:00 BST
  • Aston Villa vs Lille 20:00 BST

Big night for the British teams

Oh, do we have a busy night in store for you…

The Europa League this season is stacked with talented teams from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen and now we are at the quarter-final stage it is all about to heat up.

Tonight is a chance for both Liverpool and West Ham to take the initiative and gain first-leg advantages at a pivotal stage in the competition.

The Reds face Italian side Atalanta at Anfield, while the Hammers travel to Germany as they go up against Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Bundesliga leaders, Bayer Leverkusen.

Aston Villa are also in action tonight as Villa Park plays host to Lille in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final.

It’s set to be an enthralling night for all the British sides involved, so pull up a pew, and strap in, it’s about to get bumpy!

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: A general view inside the stadium ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Liverpool FC and Atalanta at Anfield on April 11, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced) A general view prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United FC at BayArena on April 11, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) (Photo by Alexander Scheuber - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: General view of UEFA Europa Conference League branding inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 Quarter-final first leg match between Aston Villa and Lille OSC at Villa Park on April 11, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Key Updates

  • Liverpool Team News – SIX changes

  • Lille Team News

  • Aston Villa Team News

  • Elsewhere in Europe

  • What’s in store?

  • Big night for the British teams


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