5 talking points from Liverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague

Liverpool hammered Sparta Prague in their UEFA Europa League Last 16 second leg on Thursday evening. Here are five talking points from the game.

That start

Liverpool didn't really have any worries going into this one but if there was a slight feeling that Sparta Prague could trouble them, it was extinguished in record time. The Reds were ruthless.

Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo all scored inside 13 minutes. It was breathless and Sparta had absolutely no answer for anything Liverpool had.

If it's momentum they can carry into Sunday, Manchester United will struggle for answers, too.

Mo Salah's night

Mo Salah started his first game for Liverpool here since New Year's Day against Newcastle United. It's been a long, long time.

Not only that, but he eventually played 90 minutes. That almost certainly wasn't the plan but an injury to Bobby Clark while the Reds had one substitute remaining forced it.

And not only that, but Salah set a new Liverpool record. He scored his 20th of the season here, becoming the first player in the Reds' history to do that 14h.

Jurgen Klopp said he needed rhythm. Well, he found it.

Another night for the youngsters

Bobby Clark got another start for Liverpool here and then got his first senior goal after just a few minutes. It was put on a plate for him, thanks to some awful play from Sparta. Clark then helped force another goal, winning the ball back high up the pitch for Salah's landmark strike.

And he wasn't the only academy star to have a night to remember. Mateusz Muisalowski finally got his Liverpool debut after years of hype around the Pole. The 20-year-old is the 90th player to debut under Jurgen Klopp.

He was bright after coming on, too, eager to run with the ball whenever he got it. We'll see where things go from here but it was great to see him get on the pitch in Red.

The injuries are clearing up a bit

90 minutes for both Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai here. Kostas Tsimikas is firmly back, too.

Now, plenty of players are still missing. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota all need to return for things to be clear.

But the nightmare situation of a few weeks ago is now gone. The Reds are looking strong - and ready to take the game to United.

Perfect preparation

Liverpool's ridiculous run of massive games culminates in a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday for an FA Cup clash. This couldn't have been a better preparation, really.

Jurgen Klopp was able to rest a few players, and dish out match fitness to those who needed it, all in a game where Liverpool dictated the intensity from start to finish. Perfect.

From a Carabao Cup final, to an FA Cup tie with the kids out, to two European ties, to Manchester City's visit to Anfield - it's been an incredible streak. One more huge game before the international break - the Reds look ready.