English Clubs in European Football: Round of 16 Review

Ajax vs Aston Villa

Ajax hosted Aston Villa in the first leg of the Conference League Round of 16, ending the game in a goalless draw. Despite Ajax's interim coach John van ‘t Schip’s respect for the English side, his team failed to convert dominance into goals, sticking with a compact 5-4-1 formation. Aston Villa managed to keep their Premier League flair under control, with Turkish defender Ahmetcan Kaplan impressively containing Ollie Watkins. Ajax's biggest chance came when Brian Brobbey, set up by Jorrel Hato, failed to beat Argentina's World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez. The lack of creativity was evident as Ajax missed injured wingers Steven Bergwijn and Steven Berghuis. The match ended 0-0, leaving all to play for in the return leg at Villa Park.

Sparta Prague vs Liverpool

Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, put one foot in the Europa League quarterfinals with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague. The Reds showcased their clinical efficiency with Alexis Mac Allister opening the score from the spot. Darwin Núñez continued his fine form, adding two goals, including a spectacular long-range shot. Despite a brief scare when Conor Bradley scored an own goal, Liverpool maintained control, with Luis Díaz and Dominik Szoboszlai rounding off the scoring. The comprehensive win reflects Liverpool's high-quality squad and tactical adaptability as they prepare for the second leg. Liverpool will do everything to get to the Europa League final and give Klopp the farewell he deserves.

Freiburg vs West Ham

In a closely contested Europa League tie, Freiburg edged out West Ham with a 1-0 victory, setting the stage for an intriguing second leg in London. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams having chances to score. Freiburg’s Roland Sallai was particularly influential, nearly scoring and later assisting Michael Gregoritsch's decisive goal. West Ham had opportunities through Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá but failed to convert. Freiburg’s goalkeeper, Noah Atubolu, played a crucial role, keeping out efforts from the Hammers. The match leaves West Ham with all to do at home, having previously beaten Freiburg twice in the group stages.