Liverpool have one foot in the next round of the UEFA Europa League after thrashing Sparta Prague 5-1 in the round of 16 first leg.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Sparta Prague 1-5 Liverpool
Date: 07 March 2024
Venue: epet ARENA
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp made three changes from the side that defeated Nottingham Forest, as Darwin Nunez, Wataru Endo and Jarrel Quansah were recalled.
The visitors got off to the perfect start after being awarded a penalty after six minutes when Asger Sorensen fould Alexis Mac Allister, who stepped up and calmly slotted away the spot-kick.
Sparta managed to carve out an opening after 19 minutes when Angelo Quinonez's powerful took a deflection and forced Caoimhin Kelleher into a fine finger-tip save. The Reds would go on to double their lead in the 26th minute through Nunez, who collected a pass from Harvey Elliot before curling one into the top corner from around 25 yards out.
The home side had a big chance to pull themselves level a few minutes before the interval, but it was the Reds who bagged a third goal as Nunez completed his brace with a lovely volley.
Sparta, howver, did reduce the deficit just after the break as Reds substitute Conor Bradley diverted the ball into his own net while tiring to clear Veljko Birmancevic's cross.
The joy was short-lived though as Reds quickly restored their three-goal advantage on 53 minutes as Elliot's shot diverted into the path of Luis Diaz, who found the back of the net with a deflected strike.
With the Reds comfortably leading, Klopp was able to withdraw Mac Allister for Bobby Clark while Mohamed Salah also made his return to action by replacing Diaz.
Salah though he had marked his return to action with a goal in the 85th minute by latching onto a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai and slamming home but a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the Egyptian was flagged offside.
Liverpool did get a fifth goal in time added on when Szoboszlai embarked on surging run towards the box before drilling the ball home to round off a good win.
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