Sparta Prague vs Liverpool LIVE: Europa League result and reaction as Reds score five in last-16 first leg
Sparta Prague 1-5 Liverpool: The Red ran riot away from home and have one foot in the next round
Liverpool got their Europa League knockout rounds off to a fabulous start by hammering Sparta Prague 4-1 away from home in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Despite a looming Premier League clash against Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp named strong starting line-up and was rewarded immediately as Alexis Mac Allister won and converted a penalty inside the first six minutes.
Sparta almost responded through Lukas Haraslin but Caoimhin Kelleher proved to be a strong deputy for Alisson Becker making the first of a series of solid saves throughout the night.
Darwin Nunez then curled home a beautifully long-ranged effort halfway through the first half before a guided finish on the stroke of half-time from the Uruguayan brought Liverpool a third.
The hosts did earn a deserved goal straight after the restart. Veljko Birmancevic nipped in behind on the right side and forced a back-tracking Conor Bradley to turn the ball into his own net.
Liverpool got the last word though as Luis Diaz’s deflected shot hit the back of the net and Dominik Szoboszlai scored late in stoppage time to ensure they bring a big cushion back to Anfield for the second leg next week.
Relive the action from the Europa League in the blog below and get the latest odds and tips here:
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
40 mins: Liverpool have gotten away with a couple of chances now and, backed by some fine goalkeeping from Kelleher, have kept their two goal cushion in tact.
This match feels like one which will see Sparta Prague score a couple if they can get the first one in. Liverpool will need to reset at the break.
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
37 mins: Oh no!
Sparta Prague should have a goal. Harvey Elliott loses the ball and it gets slipped into the box for Kuchta. He collects and drills a low effort at Caoimhin Kelleher but the Liverpool goalkeeper is up to the task and keeps it out.
The best chance comes to Veljko Birmancevic who gets to the rebound but the ball is stuck under his feet and rolls wide of the target.
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
34 mins: Jan Kuchta has a half chance on the volley but his effort is booted high over the crossbar.
Liverpool then come down the pitch and win a corner. An outswinger comes into the box but is nodded as far as Wataru Endo. He volleys one at goal but, like Kuchta, knocks the effort high and wide.
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
31 mins: In the other early kick off featuring a British club, Roma have taken a 1-0 lead over Brighton through Paulo Dybala’s opener.
The Seagulls will need to fight back in that one.
Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool
28 mins: Liverpool’s lead is a comfortable one now. Another goal and they’ll think that the tie is over with a second leg still to come. Jurgen Klopp will already be thinking about making changes at half-time.
Sparta Prague won’t be too disheartened. They were playing well in the build up to that second goal.
GOAL! Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool (Nunez, 25’)⚽️
25 mins: Oh my!
Just as Sparta Prague are increasing the pressure in Liverpool’s final third the visitors transition the ball swiftly through the middle of the pitch.
Harvey Elliott slots a pass into Darwin Nunez who skips to the right then curls a wonderfully shot from range past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool
24 mins: Martin Vitik is given a loud cheer for his defence over on right side of the pitch for Sparta Prague. He stops Luis Diaz from weaving his way into the box and wins a goal kick.
Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool
21 mins: Chance! Angelo Preciado catches Liverpool’s defence too high again and sprints in behind Andy Robertson to carry the ball forward on the right wing.
He dances into the box but comes up against Ibrahima Konate who first blocks the attempted cross then turns the rebounded shot wide of the goal.
Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool
18 mins: That was brilliant defending from Kelleher and Gomez but it will show that Liverpool are vulnerable this evening if Sparta can get in behind them.
At the other end of the pitch the Reds win the first corner of the game which is whipped into the box by Andy Robertson. It’s a Sparta head that gets to the ball first and it is nodded out of the dangerzone.
Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool
15 mins: Unbelievable!
What a save this is from Caoimhin Kelleher. A quick throw in from the hosts sees them break in behind Liverpool’s scattered back line.
Jan Kuchta collects the ball and darts into the box before squaring a fine pass to Lukas Haraslin. He shoots but Kelleher sticks out his left hand and palms the ball into the air.
It’s not enough to stop the goal but Joe Gomez gets back and scoops the ball off the line to safety.
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