Liverpool took a commanding step towards the Europa League quarterfinals with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday. Darwin Nunez starred for the Reds, scoring twice to help secure a comfortable first-leg advantage.
Nunez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, converting a penalty after Alexis Mac Allister was fouled in the area. The Uruguayan international doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 25th minute with a stunning right-footed shot from distance.
Sparta Prague pulled one back through an own goal by Conor Bradley, but Nunez restored Liverpool’s three-goal advantage just before halftime. Luis Díaz extended the lead further in the second half, before Dominik Szoboszlai scored a consolation goal for the hosts in stoppage time.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised his team’s performance, saying, “Our goals were fantastic.” He also welcomed the return of Mohamed Salah, who came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.
In other Europa League action, Bayer Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run to 35 games across all competitions with a 2-2 draw at Qarabag. Roma continued their resurgence under coach Daniele De Rossi with a 4-0 thumping of Brighton, while Marseille beat 10-man Villarreal 4-0.
AC Milan took control of their tie against Slavia Prague with a 3-1 victory at San Siro, while Freiburg secured a 1-0 home win over West Ham. Benfica salvaged a 2-2 draw at Rangers, while Aston Villa held Ajax 0-0 in Amsterdam.
In the Europa Conference League, Lille recorded a 3-0 victory at Sturm Graz, Maccabi Tel Aviv won 4-1 at Olympiacos, and Molde beat Club Brugge 2-1. Fiorentina secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Maccabi Haifa, while Fenerbahce won 3-0 at Union Saint-Gilloise.
