Sparta Prague vs Liverpool LIVE: Europa League result and reaction as Reds score five in last-16 first leg

40 mins: Liverpool have gotten away with a couple of chances now and, backed by some fine goalkeeping from Kelleher, have kept their two goal cushion in tact.

This match feels like one which will see Sparta Prague score a couple if they can get the first one in. Liverpool will need to reset at the break.

37 mins: Oh no!

Sparta Prague should have a goal. Harvey Elliott loses the ball and it gets slipped into the box for Kuchta. He collects and drills a low effort at Caoimhin Kelleher but the Liverpool goalkeeper is up to the task and keeps it out.

The best chance comes to Veljko Birmancevic who gets to the rebound but the ball is stuck under his feet and rolls wide of the target.

34 mins: Jan Kuchta has a half chance on the volley but his effort is booted high over the crossbar.

Liverpool then come down the pitch and win a corner. An outswinger comes into the box but is nodded as far as Wataru Endo. He volleys one at goal but, like Kuchta, knocks the effort high and wide.

31 mins: In the other early kick off featuring a British club, Roma have taken a 1-0 lead over Brighton through Paulo Dybala’s opener.

The Seagulls will need to fight back in that one.

28 mins: Liverpool’s lead is a comfortable one now. Another goal and they’ll think that the tie is over with a second leg still to come. Jurgen Klopp will already be thinking about making changes at half-time.

Sparta Prague won’t be too disheartened. They were playing well in the build up to that second goal.

25 mins: Oh my!

Just as Sparta Prague are increasing the pressure in Liverpool’s final third the visitors transition the ball swiftly through the middle of the pitch.

Harvey Elliott slots a pass into Darwin Nunez who skips to the right then curls a wonderfully shot from range past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

24 mins: Martin Vitik is given a loud cheer for his defence over on right side of the pitch for Sparta Prague. He stops Luis Diaz from weaving his way into the box and wins a goal kick.

21 mins: Chance! Angelo Preciado catches Liverpool’s defence too high again and sprints in behind Andy Robertson to carry the ball forward on the right wing.

He dances into the box but comes up against Ibrahima Konate who first blocks the attempted cross then turns the rebounded shot wide of the goal.

18 mins: That was brilliant defending from Kelleher and Gomez but it will show that Liverpool are vulnerable this evening if Sparta can get in behind them.

At the other end of the pitch the Reds win the first corner of the game which is whipped into the box by Andy Robertson. It’s a Sparta head that gets to the ball first and it is nodded out of the dangerzone.

15 mins: Unbelievable!

What a save this is from Caoimhin Kelleher. A quick throw in from the hosts sees them break in behind Liverpool’s scattered back line.

Jan Kuchta collects the ball and darts into the box before squaring a fine pass to Lukas Haraslin. He shoots but Kelleher sticks out his left hand and palms the ball into the air.

It’s not enough to stop the goal but Joe Gomez gets back and scoops the ball off the line to safety.