Europa round-up: Liverpool in total control, Brighton smashed by Roma and Aston Villa toil at Ajax
There were mixed fortunes for Premier League sides on Thursday night (Pictures: Getty)
Liverpool will take a healthy lead back to Anfield after seeing off Sparta Prague 5-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, though Brighton were hammered by Roma and Aston Villa made to toil against Ajax.
The three Premier League sides experienced very contrasting fortunes in Thursday evening?s early kick-offs, with Liverpool giving up plenty of chances in the Czech Republic but showing their attacking class to bag five goals.
European novices Brighton had a very different experience and shipped four goals on a humbling night at the Stadio Olimpico, while Aston Villa and Ajax ? playing in the Europa Conference League ? had a man sent off apiece in an entertaining but goalless draw.
Sparta Prague 1-5 Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp ? who had the fit-again Mohamed Salah back on the bench ? named a strong side to deal with a hostile atmosphere in Prague with only two youngsters, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott, in the line-up and Darwin Nunez picked to lead the line.
The Uruguayan had a great opportunity to grab an early goal inside the first two minutes after some excellent hustling from Wataru Endo but, after rounding the goalkeeper, Nunez scuffed his shot.
Liverpool did not have to wait long for a breakthrough, though, and took the lead in the sixth minute after Alexis Mac Allister had been hacked down inside the box. The Argentine stepped up and rolled the ball into the bo...
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