Sparta beats Lyon after a turnaround in Champions League…

Sparta beats Lyon after a turnaround in Champions League qualifying

05.08.2026 07:02 HotInfo

Sparta Prague footballers managed the opening match of the third qualifying round of the Champions League on Tuesday, August 4, beating Olympique Lyon 2:1 at home. The match at Letná produced two disallowed goals, a missed penalty by Corentin Tolisso, and a turnaround completed by Mercado. lidovky.cz ↗

The Prague side entered qualifying against their French opponents with confidence. According to reactions after the match, Lyon appeared more passive than the hosts had expected. Sparta coach Brian Priske said after the win that he was surprised by the visitors' approach, and praised his team's performance as well as individual players including Macek. He also defended Ševínský. isport.cz ↗

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca praised Sparta's performance after the match and admitted that his team had needed a better strategy. He described the course of the match after the break as strange. The French club came under criticism, and concerns about the return leg emerged already after the first match. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

Adam Karabec experienced a particular match, having spent last season on loan at Lyon. After the match, he emphasized that Sparta was not afraid of their opponents and, in his view, did an excellent job. Striker Jan Kuchta was missing from Sparta's lineup for the match, having trained with the B team, with his possible departure from the club now under discussion. sport.cz - fotbal ↗

The return leg will decide whether Sparta advances further in the battle for the Champions League main phase. The Prague side will go into it with a narrow lead, aware that they managed the first match despite its dramatic course. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

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