Liverpool vs Sparta Prague: European Clash, Brighton Face Roma
Premier League leaders Liverpool are set to face Sparta Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League, while Brighton will go up against Roma. The Europa League fixtures will see the first legs taking place on 7 March, with the second legs scheduled a week later on 14 March.
Liverpool’s Journey
Liverpool secured their place in the last 16 with a game to spare back in November, allowing them to bypass the February play-off round by topping their group. Having won the competition three times and finishing as runners-up in 2016, Liverpool remains a strong contender this season. Remarkably, the team is currently contesting four different trophies and is preparing to face Chelsea in the League Cup final on Sunday.
Previous Encounter and Expectations
In their only previous meeting, Liverpool emerged victorious against Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the 2010-11 Europa League. The Reds advanced with a 1-0 aggregate scoreline, thanks to a late goal from Dirk Kuyt. This history between the two teams adds an exciting dimension to their upcoming clash.
Brighton’s European Debut
Brighton, on the other hand, will be experiencing European football for the first time in the club’s history. Their journey in the Europa League has been impressive so far, culminating in a victory against Marseille in their final group game, allowing them to progress as group winners. The team’s achievement is particularly noteworthy considering their lack of experience in continental competitions.
A Tough Challenge for Brighton
Brighton’s reward for their success is a challenging fixture against last season’s runners-up, Roma. The Italian side currently sits in sixth place in Serie A and secured their spot in the last 16 after defeating Feyenoord in a penalty shootout on Thursday. Roberto de Zerbi’s side will undoubtedly provide a stern test for Brighton, but the English club will be eager to prove themselves on the European stage.
Other Matches to Look Forward To
The Europa League draw also revealed the matchups for the other last-16 fixtures. Villarreal will face Marseille, Benfica will take on Rangers, and Freiburg will go head-to-head with West Ham. Sporting Lisbon will meet Atalanta, AC Milan will clash with Slavia Prague, and Qarabag will challenge Bayer Leverkusen. The draws promise a series of intriguing encounters that will captivate football fans around the world.
Conclusion
As the Europa League progresses, Liverpool and Brighton find themselves facing tough opponents in the last 16. Liverpool’s impressive form and European pedigree make them strong contenders for the title, while Brighton’s debut in European competition adds an element of excitement to their clash with Roma. Football enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling matches as the competition unfolds.