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Sparta Prague vs Liverpool – Europa League: Live rating and updates

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Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool

Another likelihood as Luids Diaz sends the ball by way of to Cody Gakpo who’s pulled again however continues to be capable of work a shot which is saved nicely by the Prague keeper.

Joe Gomez then tries to discover a Liverpool team-mate on the sting of the field however the Czech defence clears.

Liverpool haven’t been at their greatest however after they do get the ball it appears very simple to work a chance.

Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool

Chance for Liverpool this time as Luis Diaz fees down the left flank and his ball to Harvey Elliott is initially minimize out however it will definitely falls to Cody Gakpo who does a fast flip and fires it in however Vindahl-Jensen does nicely to get down and cease the Reds taking a 3-0 lead.

Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool

Huge punt forwards by Sparta Prague and the Liverpool defence get caught.

Hraslin cannot fairly take the ball round Kelleher however Ibrahima Konate can also be there to clear earlier than the flag is put up for offside.

Liverpool using their luck thus far and Klopp shall be wanting to get his facet into the dressing room with a two-goal benefit.

HUGE miss from Sparta Prague

Harvey Elliott is dispossesed in midfield and Sparta Prague work the ball previous Ibrahima Konate and the primary shot is saved by Kelleher however parried into the trail of Birmancevic who in some way rolls the ball broad with the purpose at his mercy!

Won’t see many larger sitters within the Europa League this season.

Massive let-off for Liverpool!

Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool

Another likelihood for Sparta Prague who trigger some extra issues down Liverpool’s left flank.

The cross is fired throughout to Kuchta who isn’t given a lot time to attempt to make good contact with the ball, and he sends it over the bar off his knee.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 07: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AC Sparta Praha and Liverpool FC at Letna Stadium on March 07, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

WATCH: Darwin Nunez doubles Liverpool’s lead in Prague

Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool

That purpose has taken some sting out of Sparta Prague who appeared the extra threatening staff since Mac Allister opened the scoring.

The Prague followers although are in nonetheless nice spirits and there’s a lengthy approach to go on this recreation nonetheless.

Over in Rome, Brighton have reacted nicely to Dybala’s opening purpose, however loads of work to do.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool's Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/David W Cerny

Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele on the Reds’ efficiency thus far

Liverpool bought their purpose early however Sparta have been on prime since with a number of first rate counter-attacks and set-pieces. Caoimhin Kelleher has simply bought again to his toes after a minute or so receiving remedy on the ground. That would have been a nightmare forward of Sunday’s conflict with Manchester City, particularly with No 1 Alisson already injured.

Spoke too quickly! It’s 2-0 now and a screamer from Darwin Nunez, although unsure what the goalkeeper was as much as. That’s the 1,000th Liverpool purpose below Jurgen Klopp.

Goal:Sparta Prague 0-2 Liverpool (Nunez 25)

WHAT A GOAL!

Absolute second of magic from Darwin Nunez who tries his luck from exterior the field and it is a good strike which matches over the hand of the Prague goalkeeper Vindahl-Jenson.

Not fairly positive what the goalkeeper was as much as because it appeared like he ought to have gotten a hand on it however that is the 1,000th purpose below Jurgen Klopp since he turned Liverpool’s supervisor.

Konate with an ingenious approach to minimize out the cross

Sparta Prague are operating wild down Liverpool’s left flank and a cross is deflected out by Konate for a nook off his bottom.

The ensuing nook sees Kelleher pressured into a superb save as he ideas the ball over the crossbar.

Soparta have two extra corners however Liverpool are simply capable of cope with on each events although Kelleher takes a tough touchdown as he goes over his team-mate Konate.

Sparta Prague look destined to attain if this continues – their set-pieces are inflicting all kinds of issues.

Sparta must be degree!

Big likelihood for the hosts as Haraslin runs clear with simply the keeper to beat however Kelleher makes an amazing save however the ball nonetheless appears to be heading in.

But there’s Joe Gomez in attendance to get again and clear off the road!

Jurgen Klopp’s facet very lucky there! Haraslin inflicting the Reds some issues in Prague.

Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp waits in the dugout for play to start in the Europa League round of 16 first leg, soccer match between Sparta Praha and Liverpool at the Epet Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher in action REUTERS/David W Cerny

Goal:Roma 1-0 Brighton (Dybala 13)

After a VAR test Roma are forward! Dybala simply timed his run to perfection and similar to in Prague an Argentine participant has put their facet forward.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - AS Roma v Brighton & Hove Albion - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 7, 2024 AS Roma's Paulo Dybala celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Alberto Lingria

Goal disallowed for Roma!

Dybala thinks he has scored at Rome as he’s despatched by way of on purpose and rolls the ball residence however he’s simply offside.

But there’s a VAR test….

Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool

Endo is probably fortunate to keep away from a yellow card as he hauls down Haraslin because the Sparta ahead turns him.

He does love a problem however must be cautious going ahead.

Sparta beginning to get on the ball a bit extra as Konate heads a cross away for a throw-in.

Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool

An alternative for Sparta Prague to place the ball into the hazard space as Konate provides away a foul.

The ball is whipped into the field and it is Gakpo who heads away.

Meanwhile in Rome, Brighton have hit the submit!

Adingra’s shot deflected off a Roma defender and off the woodwork.

Goal:Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool (Mac Allister 6)

He sends the keeper the incorrect method as he calmly rolls the ball into his backside left hand nook.

The goalkeeper had already began to go the opposite method and made it simple.

What a begin for the Reds!

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister scores their first goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/David W Cerny
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates scoring Liverpool's first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AC Sparta Praha and Liverpool FC at Letna Stadium on March 07, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Penalty for Liverpool!

Blatant penalty as Alexis Mac Allister is taken down within the field and the Argentine World Cup winner will take it…

Roma 0-0 Brighton

Over on the Stadio Olimpico there’s additionally been an early likelihood for Roma striker Romelu Lukaku.

A depraved ball is performed into the field and Romelu Lukaku’s header is tipped over the bar.

Not a nasty bench!

Some first rate choices for the Reds if required later!

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 07: Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool look on from the substitutes bench prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AC Sparta Praha and Liverpool FC at Letna Stadium on March 07, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Early likelihood for Liverpool!

A giant early likelihood for Liverpool in Prague!

Some calamitious defending by the hosts permits Darwin Nunez to have an opportunity however he is on the stretch and may’t actually get contact on the ball, and Prague have one other gamers again to cope with the scenario ultimately.

It all comes from a poor clearance by their goalkeeper which went straight to Endo.

KICK-OFF

We are underway in Prague and the whistle is about to go in Rome as nicely.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Brighton followers on the wind-up in Rome

Matt Barlow is in Rome for Brighton’s journey to the Stadio Olimpico. He stories;

Brighton followers winding up Roma followers by singing Jose Mourinho’s identify. Drew sharp whistling response from residence followers.

More or much less full right here… great environment constructing.

Roma discovered to take these European trophies severely below Mourinho.

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 07: Fans of AS Roma show their support as they wave flags prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AS Roma and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stadio Olimpico on March 07, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Players come out onto the pitch

Andy Robertson captaining Liverpool tonight leads his staff out, whereas the groups are about to come back out of the tunnel in Rome.

The Europe League anthem won’t have the identical hit to it just like the Champions League one tonight, however because the digicam pans throughout on the gamers they’re wanting as motivated as ever.

They would like to get the job achieved tonight forward of the second-leg at Anfield.

Liverpool the favourites to win the Europa League

Could we see a Jurgen Klopp vs Xabi Alonso last? Still loads of video games to come back earlier than the ultimate beginning with tonight’s first-legs within the Round of 16.

Not lengthy till kick-off within the early video games

We have simply over 5 minutes to go till kick-off in Prague and Rome for what hopefully shall be two cracking video games.

We shall be specializing in Liverpool however provides you with all the important thing updates from Brighton’s journey to Roma.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - AS Roma v Brighton & Hove Albion - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 7, 2024 Brighton & Hove Albion's Facundo Buonanotte during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool's Wataru Endo during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Klopp: ‘Szoboszlai extra prepared than Salah’

We have gamers obtainable and we needed to make selections on who ought to play in order that’s the result of my thought course of and sure it is a good line-up and now we have choices on the bench. It shall be a troublesome recreation, they’re a really optimistic opponent.

You do not have a rotation drawback too typically as you simply play who’s obtainable. If you possibly can rotate it is a luxurious drawback, it is not an issue.

Two or three of the boys got here again and hopefully quickly we may have extra. We simply have to ensure we’re prepared for every recreation.

Dom in all probability a bit extra (prepared) than Mo not due to the harm however as a result of he is been in coaching extra. But we’ll discover out.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the warm up before the match REUTERS/David W Cerny

Is the Liverpool job too early for Xabi Alonso?

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are additionally in motion within the Europa League and naturally he’s the person who has been closely tipped to switch Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Asked whether or not the job at Anfield is just too quickly for the Spaniard, Peter Crouch stated on TNT Sports;

He’s the standout candidate and he has achieved excellent issues at Leverkusen. Knows the membership inside out and I do know the particular person and it was at all times clear he would change into a supervisor nevertheless it’s very early days and it is a large job and you need to substitute Jurgen Klopp.’

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso answers questions from journalists ahead of the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League between FK Karabakh Agdam and Bayer Leverkusen, in Leverkusen, Germany, Wednesday March 6, 2024. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)

Warm-ups underway in Prague and Rome

LEWIS STEELE: 900 or so Liverpool followers is likely to be handled

Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele is in Prague to observe tonight’s match. He stories;

The Epet Arena is filling up now with loads of Sparta ultras making a lot of noise. Jurgen Klopp has named a really sturdy XI with Virgil van Dijk the one participant getting a relaxation – and even he may share minutes with Ibrahima Konate.

The 900 or so Liverpool followers making the journey to Prague is likely to be handled with the primary sighting of Mo Salah shortly, with the Egyptian taking part in simply as soon as for the Reds since New Year’s Day.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Sparta Prague v Liverpool - epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - March 7, 2024 Liverpool fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Liverpool have one eye on this weekend

Those in soccer at all times recommend that the following recreation is an important, however that seems to be completely different going into Liverpool’s conflict with Sparta Prague.

The Europa League is the one trophy that the Reds have performed in and did not win in Klopp’s time on the membership, however all of the speak is about their conflict with Man City at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s feedback have been about this weekend’s recreation insisting that trophies imply extra to the Reds than Man City.

Haaland has now given his response to the England star’s feedback.

Click beneath to learn extra…

What an evening it will likely be for Brighton

These are the type of nights that Brighton followers may have been dreaming of after they certified for Europe.

They have already traveled to Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens this season, however the Stadio OIimpico is without doubt one of the nice stadiums throughout Europe and tonight’s check shall be a troublesome one for Roberto De Zerbi’s facet, however one their gamers and supporters will relish.

Liverpool gamers examine the pitch in Prague

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Nigel Keene/ProSports/Shutterstock (14380766c) Liverpool players inspect the stadium during the Europa League Round of 16 match between Sparta Prague and Liverpool at epet ARENA, Prague Sparta Prague v Liverpool, Europa League., Round of 16 - 07 Mar 2024
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieran McManus/Shutterstock (14373656e) Harvey Elliott of Liverpool looks at the pitch ahead of kick off Sparta Prague v Liverpool, UEFA Europa League, Round of 16, First Leg, Football, epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic - 07 Mar 2024

Could we see this man make a displaying off the bench?

Dominik Szoboszlai is a really useful participant to have again, however with no offence to the Hungarian star, all Liverpool followers shall be excited to see their star man Mohamed Salah on the bench for tonight’s recreation.

Since the Reds beat Newcastle on New Year’s Day, Salah has solely made one temporary look off the bench attributable to him being away on Africa Cup of Nations obligation, in addition to struggling with harm.

Any Salah look tonight might depend upon how Liverpool carry out in Prague, as Jurgen Klopp will certainly wish to ensure that he is obtainable for his or her large weekend conflict with title rivals Man City.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 06: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg training and press conference at Letna Stadium on March 06, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) The Liverpool dressing room before the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AC Sparta Praha and Liverpool FC at Letna Stadium on March 07, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

One trophy down three to go?

Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour has bought off to the proper begin after their Carabao Cup conquer Chelsea.

There could possibly be extra success to observe in his last months on the membership as they’re the sturdy favourites to win the Europa League, are prime of the Premier League and are nonetheless within the FA Cup.

Despite their harm disaster they’ve named a powerful line-up and also you might need seen one notable return on the bench…

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp addresses a press conference on March 6, 2024 in Prague on the eve of the UEFA Europa League football match between Liverpool and AC Sparta Prague. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

Rest of tonight’s Europa League motion

The first recreation from the Round of 16 first legs befell final night time as Sporting have been held to a 1-1 attract Portugal by Atalanta.

The remainder of tonight’s Europa League fixtures are as follows;

Qarabag vs Bayer Leverkusen (5.45pm)

AC Milan vs Slavia Prague

SC Freiburg vs West Ham

Benfica vs Rangers

Marseille vs Villarreal

*All 8pm until in any other case acknowledged

Brighton XI to tackle Roma

Six adjustments for Brighton to the staff who have been overwhelmed at Fulham.

Igor, Gross, Gilmour, Welbeck, Adingra and Buonanotte all step into the staff whereas the likes of Ferguson, Lallana and Estupinan are changed.

Roma XI to tackle Brighton

Daniele de Rossi has named his facet to host Brighton within the early kick-off and there’s a acquainted face amongst them.

Romelu Lukaku begins for the Italian facet.

Paulo Dybala additionally makes the beginning XI for Roma.

Sparta Prague facet to face Liverpool

Liverpool staff information!

Jurgen Klopp has named an anticipated sturdy staff for his or her first-leg tie with Sparta Prague.

Darwin Nunez returns to the beginning line up and can lead the road.

The most notable change is available in defence the place 21-year-old Jarrell Quansah companions Ibrahima Konate in defence.

Aston Villa additionally in motion

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are additionally in motion tonight within the Europa Conference League.

They will tackle Dutch facet Ajax in what is ready to be the tie of the spherical in that specific competitors.

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Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour will roll by way of Prague tonight as his Liverpool facet tackle Sparta Prague within the first leg of the Europa League round-of-16.

They are joined within the early motion by Roberto di Zerbi’s Brighton who’re in Italy taking over Roma, who’ve had a resurgence of kinds since Daniele de Rossi took over.

Key Updates

  • Roma 1-0 Brighton (Dybala 13)
  • Sparta Prague 0-1 Liverpool (Mac Allister 6)
  • Penalty for Liverpool!

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