Europa: Roma, Liverpool Gain Massive Edge in Round of 16 

Brighton’s first foray into European knockout competition ended in a first-leg Round of 16 thumping at a resurgent Roma which leaves them looking unlikely to reach the Europa League quarter-finals with four goals deficit. 

Two Seagulls defensive errors in an entertaining first half did the damage before Roma took full control after the break.

The hosts took an early lead when Paulo Dybala slotted in the first after Brighton were undone by a long, straight pass from Leandro Paredes.

Albion gradually grew into the game, hitting the post through Simon Adingra’s deflected cross while Danny Welbeck forced an instinctive save from Roma keeper Mile Svilar.

But they fell further behind when Lewis Dunk’s poor touch was pounced on and punished by Romelu Lukaku just before half-time.

Elsewhere, Liverpool will go into Sunday’s huge Premier League game with Manchester City on the back of a seventh straight win after taking control of their Europa League last-16 tie against Sparta Prague.

The Reds were at their ruthless best in the first leg, scoring three goals before half-time to silence the home fans on a chaotic night in the Czech Republic capital.

They took the lead through Alexis Mac Allister’s sixth-minute penalty after the Argentina World Cup winner had been fouled by Asger Sorensen.

Darwin Nunez’s wonderful dipping finish from outside the penalty area doubled the lead – Liverpool’s 1,000th goal under boss Jurgen Klopp – before the Uruguay forward’s 16th club goal of the season, a fierce shot from the edge of the box, made it 3-0 in first-half added time.

Despite the handsome margin, Liverpool were thankful for Caoimhin Kelleher who once again underlined his importance to the team in the absence of injured first-choice keeper Alisson.

RESULTS 

EUROPA (League)

Qarabag 2-2 Leverkusen 

Roma 4-0 Brighton 

S’Prague 1-5 Liverpool 

Conference

Ajax 0-0 Aston Villa 

Molde 2-1 Club Brugge

Olympiacos 1-4 M’Tel Aviv 

S’ Graz 0-3 Lille