Liverpool will take a three-goal cushion into their Europa League second-leg against Sparta Prague following their 4-1 win on Thursday.
The Reds raced into a three-goal first-half lead after a brace from Darwin Nunez after Alexis Mac Allister's opener. The Uruguayan extended his rich vein of form with two superb strikes including a 25-yard screamer.
The Argentine opened the scoring from the penalty spot after dusting himself down to convert from 12 yards, after being brought down. Nunez doubled the lead curling from range before adding a third on the stroke of half-time with an outstanding volley.
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However, immediately after the interval the hosts had one goal back. Liverpool were caught with a long ball in behind and a cut-back was inadvertently fired home by Conor Bradley.
Luis Diaz was on hand to add a fourth, and restore the three-goal cushion, with a deflect effort past Peter Vindahl Jensen. Substitute Mohamed Salah thought he made it five in the dying embers after the Reds' relentless press paid off but VAR chalked off his effort - however, they had their fifth when Dominik Szoboszlai fired home late on.
Manchester City (H) - Sunday, March 10
Sparta Prague (H, Europa League Ro16 2nd leg) - Thursday, March 14
Manchester United (A, FA Cup quarter-final) - Sunday, March 17
Brighton (H) - Sunday, March 31
Sheffield United (H) - Thursday, April 4
Liverpool (A) - Sunday, March 10
Newcastle (H, FA Cup quarter-final) - Saturday, March 16
Arsenal (H) - Sunday, March 31
Aston Villa (H) - Wednesday,
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