Sparta Prague welcome Lyon to the epet ARENA on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. Both clubs enter the competition at this stage and are four matches away from the league phase, with a playoff against Fenerbahce or Sturm Graz awaiting the winners.
Sparta are attempting to reach the Champions League for the second time in three seasons after finishing runners-up to Slavia Prague in the Czech First League. Brian Priske's side responded to a 3-1 opening-day defeat at Zbrojovka Brno by beating Zlin by the same scoreline on Friday, giving them a timely lift before their first European fixture of the campaign.
Lyon finished fourth in Ligue 1 after losing their final two league matches and must qualify to return to Europe's premier competition for the first time since 2020. Paulo Fonseca's team won four of their six pre-season fixtures, but a 4-0 defeat to Real Betis in their final warm-up exposed defensive concerns before their first competitive match of 2026-27.
Sparta Prague vs Lyon: Key Stats
Sparta Prague form guide: W-L-L-L-W, with two wins from their last five matches
Lyon pre-season form guide: W-W-W-L-W-L, with four wins from six friendlies
Sparta are unbeaten in six competitive home matches, winning five and drawing one
Lyon have won five of the six previous meetings, with Sparta still searching for their first victory
Lyon have not lost the first leg of a two-legged European tie in their last nine attempts
Photo Credit (Imago)
What to Expect
Sparta have the advantage of already playing competitive football, but Priske must manage a long injury list. Peter Vindahl, Patrik Vydra, Sivert Mannsverk and Jakub Martinec are among those unavailable, while Ondrej Penxa, Magnus Andersen, Elias Cobbaut and Emmanuel Uchenna also remain sidelined. Jakub Surovcik should continue in goal behind a reshaped defence, with Ebrima Singhateh available again after suspension.
The hosts should try to use their greater match sharpness and the energy of the home crowd to start aggressively. Lukas Haraslin and Miguel Alcocer provide the threat from wide areas, Adam Karabec can operate between the lines, and Jonatan Braut Brunes arrives with confidence after scoring against Zlin. Sparta's best route is to make this an intense game before Lyon settle into possession.
Lyon are likely to rely on Corentin Tolisso, Tyler Morton and Tanner Tessmann to control midfield and slow Sparta's early momentum. Fonseca still has uncertainty around several members of his squad, while new loan signing Lois Openda has had limited preparation time and may initially be used from the bench. Even so, Lyon possess enough speed and individual quality to punish the spaces left by an injury-hit home defence.
Predicted Lineups
Sparta Prague (4-2-3-1)
Surovcik; Mercado, Sorensen, Sevinsky, Suchomel; Irving, Sochurek; Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin; Brunes
Lyon (4-3-3)
Greif; Ouedraogo, Kluivert, Mata, Maitland-Niles; Tolisso, Morton, Tessmann; Duranville, Himbert, Boudache
Players to Watch
Lukas Haraslin - Remains Sparta's most established attacking outlet and gives them pace, one-against-one quality and a reliable final ball from the left. With Lyon vulnerable in their final friendly, his direct running could be central to the hosts' chances.
Jonatan Braut Brunes - Opened his account against Zlin and should lead the line again. His physical presence gives Sparta a focal point and his ability to occupy the centre-backs can create space for Haraslin and Karabec.
Corentin Tolisso - The senior figure in a Lyon midfield that must manage the pressure of an away first leg. His composure, positioning and ability to move possession through Sparta's press will shape how much control the visitors establish.
Lois Openda - Could make his Lyon debut following his loan move from Juventus. Whether he starts or enters from the bench, his acceleration and movement behind the defence offer Fonseca a dangerous option against a depleted Sparta back line.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.74
Sparta's competitive sharpness and six-match unbeaten home run make them capable of troubling Lyon, but their extensive defensive absences reduce confidence in a clean sheet. Four of their last five matches have produced at least three goals, including successive 3-1 league results.
Lyon have the stronger squad and added another direct threat in Openda, yet the 4-0 defeat to Betis showed that Fonseca's side are not fully settled. Five of the six previous meetings have gone over 2.5 goals, including Lyon's 4-3 win on their last visit to Prague. With Sparta likely to attack the home leg and both defences carrying questions, goals offer more value than choosing a winner.