Twitter Reacts to Liverpool's Europa League Shoot-out Defeat to Besiktas

Ryan BaileyFeb 26, 2015

On Thursday evening, Liverpool returned to Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium, a venue that hosted one of the greatest nights in their history. That night, of course, saw them bounce back from a 3-0 half-time deficit to lift the European Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Sadly for the Redmen, there was no dramatic fightback and no shoot-out glory on this occasion.

As soon as the team sheets were released, "Balotelli and Sturridge" trended on Twitter, as it transpired that the strikers were starting together for the first time since August:

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When the game kicked off and the home fans made their presence known, there was plenty of talk about the intimidating atmosphere:

Every time a Liverpool player touched the ball, the Besiktas faithful booed loudly. Which grew tiresome during the Reds' early spells of possession:

"
When Besiktas fans keep whistling pic.twitter.com/ZxPFGAYdgf
— adam (@AdaamHarris) February 26, 2015"

The atmosphere appeared to inspire a very physical performance in Mario Balotelli, who seemed intent on sending his opponents to the floor at every available opportunity. He was deservedly booked after 10 minutes...

"
We've played 10 minutes and Mario Balotelli has committed three fouls and received a yellow card. #LFC pic.twitter.com/ZefHTic5s1
— Ryan (@ryan_balke) February 26, 2015"

Everybody loves a bit of Balotelli narrative, but not everyone was willing the Italian striker on:

"
If Balotelli scores tonight I'll give this account away
— Santi Cazorla (@SantiagoCazorIa) February 26, 2015"

There were many more tweets like the ones above, offering much stronger language and more grotesque suggestions in their propositions. It was Raheem Sterling, rather than Super Mario, who looked more potent in front of goal in the first 30 minutes. In between critiques of the 20-year-old's performance, one Twitter user helped out with a suggestion for a future TV career...

As is customary when a game reaches half-time without any goals, plenty of folks complained about a relatively dull first half:

"
This liverpool game is super boring
— Steven Assuncao (@StevenAndre77_) February 26, 2015"

"
Liverpool game is so boring
— aimee sturrock (@aimeesturrock) February 26, 2015"

"
Liverpool's game tonight brrrrrr boring 
— Arina Amalinda ღ (@arynalinda) February 26, 2015"

There wasn't an awful lot of noteworthy action as the second half commenced, but Liverpool started to drop deeper and invite more attacking moves from the hosts. In the 72nd minute, the tie sprung into life with a tremendous strike from Besiktas substitute Tolgay Arslan:

"
Noooo Arslan  https://t.co/3obNJYoYAq
— Ale Padín (@alepadin) February 26, 2015"

Not long after the goal, with the game destined to head into extra time, Brendan Rodgers removed Mario Balotelli from the game in place of Adam Lallana. Many were unhappy with the decision to remove the man who scored the winning penalty last week:

With extra time looming, Demba Ba had a golden opportunity to win the tie with a shot from a corner, but he saw it rattle off the bar. Cue alliteration:

And so the game headed into extra time...

ITV commentator Sam Matterface became the winner of the evening's banter with his comment on a Ba advance:

"
"And Demba Ba is looking to take advantage of another slip" I see what you did there pic.twitter.com/Pvnx7m4U25
— shauna (@shauna_mcfc) February 26, 2015"

The Reds offered very little in the first half of extra time, with many noticing that their collective batteries were clearly depleting:

"
Most frustrated I've been watching Liverpool all season.
— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) February 26, 2015"

Liverpool, however, survived 120 minutes and earned a penalty shoot-out. Of course, this was not the first time the Reds aimed to settle a game at the Ataturk Stadium with a shoot-out: