Lafata scores five for rampant Sparta

David Lafata scored five times as seven-goal AC Sparta Praha made light work of FC Levadia Tallinn in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie.

The Czech Republic forward had a hat-trick by half-time and struck twice more after the break against a side that registered seven without reply themselves last week against SP La Fiorita. Tomáš Přikryl completed a miserable night for Levadia, for whom Toni Tipuric also put through his own net.  

Sparta captain Lafata headed his team in front from Josef Hušbauer's cross. His second goal arrived 60 seconds before the interval and was quickly followed by number three in added time, a penalty following a foul by Artjom Artjunin.

The capital outfit were quick out of the blocks in the second half, scoring three times in six minutes. The first of them came courtesy of Levadia defender Tipuric, who deflected a shot into his own net, an act followed by Lafata's fourth and fifth of a memorable night.