Liverpool defeated Sparta Prague 5-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League last-16 on Thursday night, thanks in large part to Darwin Nunez’s spectacular double.

Alexis MacAllister, Luis Diaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai also scored as Jurgen Klopp’s side overcame early nerves to advance to the final eight.

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between AC Sparta Praha and Liverpool FC at Letna Stadium

Darwin Nunez scored a stunning brace as Liverpool cruised to a 5-1 victory against Sparta Prague in their UEFA Europa League last-16 clash.Nunez Liverpool Sparta

Despite the impending shadow of Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp picked a strong starting XI, and Alexis MacAllister’s penalty opened the scoring after only six minutes.

Nunez then scored the 1000th goal of Klopp’s rule with a sublime curler on 25 minutes, before the Uruguayan added another 20-yard volley on the stroke of half-time.

Mac Allister is thriving in advanced roles ‘like Rice’ thanks to Endo, according to McCoist.Mac Allister is thriving in advanced roles ‘like Rice’ thanks to Endo, according to McCoist.

Sparta had numerous chances but were foiled by Caoimhín Kelleher’s heroics. Substitute Conor Bradley then shot in his own net within seconds of restart.

On 53 minutes, Luis Diaz’s deflected finish restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead, and Mo Salah returned from a hamstring injury as a substitute, but Ibrahima Konate’s probable injury forced him to leave the game.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a fifth in stoppage time as Liverpool advanced to the final eight ahead of the second leg at Anfield next Thursday.