Charlie Austin scored twice as Southampton beat Sparta Prague 3-0.
Southampton’s Europa League campaign got off to the perfect start as they beat Sparta Prague 3-0.
The Saints had lift off after five minutes when Charlie Austin tucked away a penalty, after a disagreement with teammate Dusan Tadic over who should take the spot kick.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin celebrates scoring their first goal
There were no disagreements 22 minutes later when Austin grabbed his and Southampton’s second, grabbing a brace on his European debut. The former QPR striker is yet to hit the heights expected of him at Southampton, having joined in January, but these goals could be the catalyst for Austin.
Jay Rodriguez put gloss on the scoreline late on, scoring Southampton’s third in second half stoppage time, wrapping up a perfect night for Claude Puel’s side as they kick off their European campaign with three points.
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez celebrates scoring their third goal with team mates
The result puts Southampton top of Group K after one game, with Hapoel Be’er Sheva beating Inter Milan 2-0.
Having seen their side pick up their first win of the season under Puel, Saints fans have reacted on Twitter to the match, and were very happy with Charlie Austin’s performance.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin scores their second goal
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