Liverpool will be able to make plenty of changes next midweek after the Reds demolished Sparta Prague on their own patch. Darwin Núñez and Alexis Mac Allister really impressed again and the duo fired their team toward the quarter-finals.
Sparta had chances in the first half but Caoimhín Kelleher was in sensational form. He and Joe Gomez denied the host a number of times when Sparta should have netted. But it was Liverpool who was most clinical. Núñez scored two brilliant goals — first a long-range effort and then a superb volley — and Mac Allister had earlier won and then scored a penalty.
Conor Bradley came on at half-time and scored a spectacular goal with his first touch but Liverpool soon re-established its lead, with Luis Díaz scoring via a deflected effort. The game was a crazy and end-to-end one in terms of the chances and the opportunities fashioned out, but Liverpool is in a more than commanding position ahead of the return leg.
Mohamed Salah thought that he had got an inevitable goal but the VAR ruled it out for an offside decision that was very close and then Szoboszlai did find the back of the net. The Reds, though, got the job done result-wise in the first leg. There is no hope for Sparta of an Anfield comeback.
WINNERS
Kelleher, Núñez and Mac Allister were all excellent. That trio stood out and others performed well too: Díaz netted and Harvey Elliott was another who was bright. It was important, too, for Dominik Szoboszlai to get some important minutes under his belt after a recent injury. He should be fit and sharp enough to play a substantial part in the weekend’s huge fixture and Salah looked in good nick as well.
LOSERS
Ibrahima Konaté playing more than a half felt like a risk that didn’t need taking. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, he limped off just a couple of minutes after the interval after suffering what appeared to be a muscle injury after sprinting back toward his own goal. Another injury issue was exactly what Liverpool didn’t want ahead of the visit of Manchester City.
PLAYER RATINGS
Caoimhín Kelleher — 8
Made some brilliant saves to deny Sparta’s forwards at times. The Irishman was in great form and managed to overcome an injury scare that would have had a few people having nightmares. He will need to be in similar shot-stopping form on Sunday against Manchester City.
Joe Gomez — 7
A really impressive performer once again. Back in a more familiar position (right-back rather than holding midfield), he put in an accomplished showing. He should be on the teamsheet at the weekend as a starter.
Ibrahima Konaté — 7
The main takeaway from his performance was that he got injured. While Gomez should be able to deputize for him at the back at the weekend, his injury is clearly a massive blow for Liverpool in what was a match that should have been comfortable to avoid any gambles.
Jarell Quansah — 6
Looked a little nervy in possession a couple of times and the Liverpool defense was wide open in moments. This was a valuable experience for him away from home in an intense atmosphere.
Andy Robertson — 7
Solid at the back and didn’t have loads to get involved with going forward. Interesting that he played for as long as he did given that the game at the weekend will be one for him as well.
