UCL Preview: Lyon take on Sparta Prague
It's time for the first competitive match for a Ligue 1 McDonald's team -- join us as we preview Lyon's first leg Champions League qualifying match against Czech side Sparta Prague.
Sparta already underway
While Lyon are the first French top flight to play a competitive fixture this season, this first-leg encounter will mark the hosts' third competitive match, having already played twice in their domestic league. After an opening loss, they bounced back at the weekend to defeat Zlin 3-1, with former Lyon winger Adam Karabec netting from the penalty spot.
Expected to start as a number ten for Brian Priske's side, he'll be joined in the eleven by a full complement of players, as there are no major absences. Jonatan Braut Brunes -- the cousin of Erling Haaland -- will be the danger man in attack for the hosts, though. A recent signing from Polish side Raków Częstochowa, he has scored forty goals in the last two seasons combined, and remains one to watch for Les Gones' defenders.
An important clash awaits. ⚔️
Come on Gones! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/YC7HcomoUW— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) August 3, 2026
Key absences for OL
As for Lyon, they'll have to make do without several important players, especially in defence. Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico are both suspended after being sent off in Lyon's loss to Celta Vigo last season, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also a doubt. Paulo Fonseca will have to look to deploy a somewhat experimental back line, but there's plenty of excitement over the club's attack, with new signings Loïs Openda and Julien Duranville both expected to start.
Speaking of the vital nature of the match, Fonseca said: "We’ve talked about the importance of this tie. We know that, alongside Ligue 1, we are playing this ‘championship’ to qualify for the Champions League. Everyone in the squad understands the importance of this match. We are facing a team with plenty of experience in European competitions. We know it will be tough. We have to believe that nothing is impossible in football. The club has waited for this opportunity, so we must give it our all to qualify for the Champions League."
Read more:
>> Who are Sparta Prague? A closer look at Lyon's UCL opponent
