Jordan Henderson has posted on Instagram following Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League following a 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Anfield last night – and former Reds teammate Jose Enrique has responded.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s defence of their Champions League crown came to an abrupt end after Diego Simeone’s Spanish somehow rallied with the Reds’ heavy punches to inflict a late knockout blow on the current European Cup holders.
Georginio Wijnaldum inspired yet another potentially historic night at Anfield before the outstanding Jan Oblak thwarted a number of Liverpool efforts to take the match to extra-time.
Roberto Firmino scored his first Anfield goal of the season to put Liverpool in the ascendancy for the first time in the tie after his 94th minute strike.
However, Klopp’s team surrendered lead just a few minutes after scoring when Marcos Llorente capitalised on Adrian’s error before the former Real Madrid star struck another stunning finish to turn the Anfield tie completely on its head.
Alvaro Morata completed the victory for Simeone who has inspired Los Rojiblancos into the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2017.
Henderson, 27, returned to the Liverpool starting line-up for the first time since the England international picked up a hamstring injury at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium three weeks ago.
The club-captain lasted 105 minutes on Wednesday night to put in a composed and mature performance that saw the result just escape from Liverpool’s grasp.
Following the defeat, Henderson took to Instagram to thank the fans for their unwavering support on a night where the better team ultimatley lost.
He said: Not our night but amazing support once again!”
Henderson’s post warranted a response from former teammate and Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique. The Spaniard was signed alongside Henderson from Tyneside by Kenny Dalglish in 2011.
The former Newcastle United star clocked up 99 appearances for the Reds and retired from professional football in 2017.
His message to Henderson read: “Amazing game amigo now go and get that Premier League.”
