Liverpool secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday. The Reds took the lead through a stunning free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the hosts equalized in the second half through Lukas Julis. However, Liverpool snatched the winner in the dying minutes when Mohamed Salah, who made his comeback from injury, tapped in a cross from Sadio Mane.
Alexander-Arnold breaks the deadlock
The game started with a high tempo, as both teams looked to create chances and assert their dominance. Liverpool had the first clear opportunity in the 12th minute, when Roberto Firmino found Mane in the box, but the Senegalese forward’s shot was blocked by Sparta goalkeeper Milan Heca. Sparta responded with a counter-attack, but David Moberg Karlsson’s effort was saved by Alisson Becker.
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute, when Liverpool won a free-kick on the edge of the area. Alexander-Arnold stepped up and curled a brilliant strike into the top corner, leaving Heca with no chance. It was the right-back’s fifth goal of the season, and his first in the Europa League.
Sparta fight back in the second half
Sparta came out stronger in the second half, and put Liverpool under pressure with their intensity and physicality. They nearly leveled the score in the 52nd minute, when Adam Hlozek’s header hit the post after a cross from Ladislav Krejci. Liverpool were struggling to cope with Sparta’s aerial threat, and conceded a corner in the 64th minute. From the resulting set-piece, Julis rose highest and nodded the ball past Alisson, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Liverpool tried to regain their lead, and introduced Salah in the 70th minute, hoping that the Egyptian star could make an impact. Salah had a chance to score in the 78th minute, when he latched onto a through ball from Firmino, but his shot was smothered by Heca. Sparta were defending resolutely, and looked to hold on for a draw.
Salah seals the win for Liverpool
However, Liverpool had other ideas, and snatched the winner in the 89th minute, thanks to a moment of magic from Mane. The winger dribbled past two defenders on the left flank, and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Salah was there to meet it, and tapped the ball into the empty net, sending the Liverpool fans into ecstasy. It was Salah’s 20th goal of the season, and his first since returning from injury.
The final whistle blew shortly after, and Liverpool celebrated a hard-fought win, while Sparta were left to rue their missed chances. The result gives Liverpool a slight advantage ahead of the second leg at Anfield next week, but Sparta will still fancy their chances of causing an upset.
