The Morning Sports Briefing

Soccer: Europa League

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had billed last night's Europa League last-16 first leg tie against Manchester United as the mother of all games - and while his team's 2-0 win wasn't the mother of all wins it wasn't far off it.

In the first ever European meeting of the the two European giants Liverpool’s pressing game allowed Klopp’s team dictate proceedings from the off, and a Daniel Sturridge first half penalty and Roberto Firmino’s second half first touch finish was enough to give them a 2-0 advantage ahead of next week’s second leg. Which only for the excellence of United goalkeeper David de Gea could have been an even bigger advantage.

Tottenham were left with a huge mountain to climb as they were beaten 3-0 by Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. Mauricio Pochettino once again opted to field a weakened Spurs side - with eyes on the Premier League race - and that decision was promptly punished by a Marco Reus double and one from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (his 33rd in 38 appearances this season).

Rugby: Six Nations

Meanwhile rugby columnist Liam Toland says this morning that Joe Schmidt should proclaim a philosophy of running rugby in the confidence that his Ireland team have enough armoury to overcome a limited Italy this weekend.

“Even taking into account the loss of forwards like Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony and especially Iain Henderson and backs such as Luke Fitzgerald there’s still more than enough to mimic the Jaguares set-piece and the ambition of their counter-attack with change of feet, sucking in multiple defenders before offloading.”

Ahead of Saturday's encounter - with Ireland of course still in pursuit of a first win in this year's Six Nations championship - Joe Schmidt says he knows his team have got to win this weekend. "We have got to win. That's the bottom line."

GAA

Croke Park has announced plans to celebrate the 1916 Rising with a major event being organised to coincide with the Allianz football finals at Croke Park on April 24th.

Talking at the announcement of those plans on Thursday - Clare hurler Tony Kelly has confirmed that he will not make his injury return before the end of the league, with the Munster championship clash against Waterford his new target.

Tennis

Andy Murray says Maria Sharapova deserves to be banned for failing a test for a performance enhancing drug.

“It’s not up to me to decide the punishment, but if you’re taking performance enhancing drugs and you fail a drugs test, you have to get suspended.”

What to watch out for

The Irish Under-20s are looking to build on their win over England against Italy tonight.

RTÉ 2 from 7.30pm

The Palm Harbor Valspar Championship continues this evening - with the Irish in action hoping for an improved showing.

Sky Sports 4, 8pm-11pm