Liverpool’s worst fears realised as Adrian throws the game

Liverpool’s worst fears were realised as Adrian threw away the game and allowed Atletico Madrid a route to an Anfield win.

Roberto Firmino had just hit the back of the net to give the Reds the goal they needed to progress through to the next round of the Champions League when disaster struck.

And it was a disaster that some saw coming, but many feared.

Even though we were prepared to back Adrian and call for calm where hysteria reigned, that has come back to bite Liverpool and make our worst fears a stark reality.

After the mistake against Chelsea in the FA Cup, everyone thought the Spaniard was just having a little blip – much like when he first came into the side following Alisson‘s early injury back in September.

But with far more riding on the line, Adrian couldn’t produce the goods and we’re all left knowing that Liverpool would have had a much better chance progressing to the quarter-finals with Alisson between the sticks.

It all comes down to one moment, really. Just minutes after Firmino had headed the ball against the post and tucked in the rebound, Adrian hit a limp clearance straight to Atletico and allowed Marcos Llorente the time, space and inclination to fire one home.

From then on it, Liverpool were chasing the game and that meant they had to floor forward in search of another goal. The away goal killed it, and it’s Adrian’s fault.

Llorente hit his second before former Chelsea man Alvaro Moreta scored the final goal to crush hearts and make the journey home from Anfield completely soulless.

Jurgen Klopp had the chance to complete a historic treble and has failed with 66% of it. For a team with this ability and this mentality, is that good enough?

Now we have to haul ourselves up and go again. Six more points.