LIVERPOOL and AS Roma recorded big wins in the first legs of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 ties tonight while Bayer Leverkusen just about kept their unbeaten run intact.
In the Czech Republic, Liverpool were ruthless as they spanked their hosts Sparta Prague 5-1 to warm up for Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The in-form Darwin Nunez struck twice for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai scoring the other goals.
The fit-again Mohamed Salah came off the bench and had a goal ruled out by VAR, while Conor Bradley scored an own goal.
In Italy, Roma’s brilliant form under Jose Mourinho’s replacement Daniele De Rossi continued as they overpowered Brighton 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Paolo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante netted the goals to give Roma a comfortable advantage ahead of next week’s return fixture in England.
In Azerbaijan, Bayer Leverkusen were seconds away from losing for the first time in all competitions this season but they rescued a 2-2 draw against Qarabag.
Leverkusen, who have been without their injured Nigerian striker Victor Boniface since January, were 2-0 down to two Juninho goals in the first half.
Florian Witz pulled one back for the German Bundesliga leaders in the 70th minute before Patrik Schick netted the equaliser in the stoppage time.
