Nunez brace helps Liverpool sink Sparta as Salah returns

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister celebrates Darwin Nunez after scoring his side’s first goal from the penalty spot during their Europa League round of 16 first leg, match against Sparta Praha at the Epet Arena in Prague on Mar. 7, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 07 March 2024
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Nunez brace helps Liverpool sink Sparta as Salah returns

  • Star striker Mohamed Salah returned to the squad as a second-half substitute from an injury
  • Liverpool have all but secured a place in the March 15 draw for the quarter-finals

PRAGUE: Darwin Nunez’s brace brought Liverpool within sight of the Europa League quarter-finals as they clinched a 5-1 win in the first leg of the last-16 phase at Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Star striker Mohamed Salah returned to the squad as a second-half substitute from an injury that had allowed him to only play 46 minutes for Liverpool since his early retreat from the African Cup of Nations in January.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the score against the reigning Czech champions and topflight leaders with a sixth minute penalty after being brought down by Asger Sorensen in the box.
Nunez added a second with a long-range shot from outside the box over diving Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl in the 25th minute.
The Uruguay striker made it 3-0 in the stoppage time of first half with a low blast from just inside the box to the far post.
Conor Bradley came on as a half-time substitute and the game turned sour for him 40 seconds later as he deflected Sparta winger Veljko Birmancevic’s cross into his own net.
Luis Diaz, however, made it 4-1 on 53 minutes, beating Vindahl with a deflected shot and Dominik Szoboszlai, also returning from injury as a second-half substitute, rounded off the score in the stoppage time.
Salah found the net six minutes from time but his goal was called off as VAR caught him offside.
Liverpool have all but secured a place in the March 15 draw for the quarter-finals, which will also reveal their potential semifinal opponents.
The Reds controlled much of the game while Sparta relied largely on breaks.
The hosts came close several times but goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stopped unmarked Lukas Haraslin’s close-range effort with his fingertips and Birmancevic then missed a gaping net.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made three changes from Saturday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.
Captain Virgil van Dijk only came on as a second-half substitute with Andrew Robertson wearing the band on his Europa League debut.
Liverpool are eyeing a remarkable quadruple in Klopp’s final season as manager at Anfield as they have won the League Cup and are through to the last eight of the FA Cup.
They also top the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City whom they face on Sunday.


Poulter, Westwood to continue as Majesticks GC co-captains for 2026 LIV Golf season

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Poulter, Westwood to continue as Majesticks GC co-captains for 2026 LIV Golf season

London: British golfing icons Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have re-signed with Majesticks GC as co-captains for the 2026 LIV Golf season, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The Ryder Cup legend and former world number one will once again lead the side alongside fellow Englishman and former European Open champion Laurie Canter, who joins the team ahead of the new campaign.
Foundational figures in the creation and evolution of Majesticks GC, Poulter and Westwood bring more than 60 years of combined professional experience as the team enters the next phase of its development. Both players have played a central role in shaping the club’s identity, standards and culture since its inception.
The duo’s contrasting but complementary leadership styles have been a defining feature of Majesticks GC. Westwood’s calm and clinical approach has balanced Poulter’s intensity, charisma and competitive edge, helping to establish the team as one of the most recognizable outfits on the LIV Golf circuit.
Poulter, who has recorded victories on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, said he was eager to continue his journey with the team.
“I’ve been part of Majesticks Golf Club from day one, and am excited to continue on that journey as a player and co-captain,” he said. “What we’ve built here, both on and off the course, is special, with a clear long-term vision. LIV Golf has changed the game in ways that excite both players and fans, and being part of that evolution has been incredible. Re-signing for 2026 is an easy decision for me. I’m as motivated as ever, and I can’t wait to help drive this team forward into the 2026 season.”
Team principal James Dunkley highlighted Poulter’s influence within the squad, saying: “Ian is a hugely important part of this team. He sets standards, inspires everyone around him, and brings a level of energy and passion that instills belief in us all. His influence, both competitively and culturally, is enormous, and having both him and Lee back for 2026 is a major boost.”
Co-team principal Oliver Banks added: “Ian brings a unique skillset and personality to the sport. He’s a leader, an innovator and a personality who embodies what Majesticks Golf Club is about. His connection with fans, his passion and commitment to pushing the sport forward make him invaluable.”
Westwood, one of the most consistent performers of his generation, brings more than three decades of elite experience to the team, including multiple international victories and a spell at the top of the world rankings. His composed presence and technical understanding have been central to Majesticks GC’s development.
“It’s fantastic to continue this journey with Majesticks GC,” Westwood said. “What we’ve built together over the last few years has been incredibly rewarding, and the progression we’re making as a team and as part of LIV Golf is nothing short of incredible. I’m committed to helping push us forward in 2026 and contributing in every way I can, both as a player and a leader.”
Dunkley described Westwood’s impact as fundamental to the club’s structure. “Lee’s influence runs deep through this organization. His leadership style is measured and insightful, and brings immense experience to the team, helping to drive our standards. Having one of the best players in the game back for 2026 strengthens our foundation for the season ahead.”
Banks echoed those sentiments, adding: “Lee is integral to the Majesticks identity. He brings authenticity, knowledge and a strong sense of purpose to everything he does. His presence is felt throughout the team, and we’re delighted to continue building with him as we pursue our aspirations.”
Majesticks GC will look to build on that continuity of leadership as they prepare for the 2026 LIV Golf season.