It was a UEFA Champions League night to remember, but unfortunately for Liverpool fans, things did not go their way at home.
The defending champions have crashed out of the tournament after not being able to get past Jan Oblak and Atlético's ironclad defense. Georginio Wijnaldum and an extra time goal by Roberto Firmino had given the Reds a ticket to the next round, but a brace by super-sub Marcos Llorente and a late strike by former Chelsea man Alvaro Morata paved the way for Atlético's impressive turnaround.
The shocking loss has highlighted quite a curious statistic for Liverpool, who have extended their Round of 16 hoodoo when walking into the tournament as defending champions.
2006 – Liverpool have fallen at the last 16 stage of the Champions League for the first time since 2006 (v Benfica), also as the reigning champions after lifting the trophy in 2005 at this season's final destination – Istanbul. Eliminated. pic.twitter.com/tG4q73MpHB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 11, 2020
The game also brought to an end Klopp's impressive streak as Liverpool's coach when it comes to European ties, as he was knocked out of any competition in a two-legged tie for the first time since he took over the gig.
If that was not enough reason for Liverpool to be embarrassed, the final stat of the evening will expose Klopp's men as a major disappointment today.
"Liverpool had a 42-game streak without a loss at Anfield in all comps (37 wins, 5 draws), and they had gone SIX YEARS without a loss at home in European competitions. Then, the warriors from the Manzanares came along..."
El Liverpool llevaba 42 partidos oficiales consecutivos sin perder en Anfield (37 victorias y 5 empates) y llevaba SEIS AÑOS sin perder en casa en competiciones europeas.
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) March 11, 2020
Entonces llegaron los guerreros del Manzanares y... pic.twitter.com/KZexkRPy8n