Sparta Prague — Lyon: 2-1, Sparta wins in Prague in the 3rd round
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Sparta Prague won the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League against Lyon (2-1) in Prague, inflicting an embarrassing setback on Les Gones before the return match.
According to Championship.
Context
Sparta Prague showed impressive resilience in coming back from an own goal. With players like Matěj Rineš and Jon Mercado in good form, the Czech team looks set to capitalize on this victory in the second leg against OL.
Why it matters
The victory of Sparta Prague over Lyon in this first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League is a hard blow for Olympique Lyonnais, who were hoping for a better start in this competition. This result puts Sparta in a favorable position for the second leg, increasing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League group stage, a crucial objective for the Czech club.
Key points
- Sparta Prague — Lyon: 2-1, Sparta wins in Prague in the 3rd round.
- Sparta Prague won the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League against Lyon (2-1) in Prague, inflicting an embarrassing setback on Les Gones before the return match.
- Спарта — Лион, результат матча 4 августа, счет 2:1, третий Qualification League Championship — 2026/2027 - Championship.
The first act of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League between Sparta Prague and Olympique Lyonnais ended with a surprise victory for the Czechs, 2-1, Saturday evening at the EPET Arena in Prague. The first leg offered a sequence of decisive events at the end of the first half and at the start of the second, which turned to the advantage of the locals.
Dutch referee Serdar Gözübüyük was in charge of the match. It was a twist of theater that Lyon took the lead just before the break: in the 45th minute, Martin Suchomel scored an own goal, temporarily giving the Rhone team the lead. The Lyonnais therefore returned to the locker room with this strangely acquired advantage.
Sparta has not given up. Matěj Rineš put the two teams back on level terms in the 63rd minute, allowing Prague fans to believe in a turnaround. Two minutes later, OL missed a huge opportunity to regain control: in the 67th minute, Corentin Tolisso failed from the penalty spot, missing the opportunity to give his team the lead again.
Image
The sentence came almost immediately. In the 69th minute, Jon Mercado gave Sparta the final lead by scoring the winning goal, sealing the home side's 2-1 victory.
This result places Sparta Prague in a favorable position before the return match, scheduled for August 11 in France. For Lyon, the poor performance is a warning before this decisive meeting: the team will have to be more efficient and redeem themselves at home to reverse the situation and continue its path towards the group stage.
Beyond the score, this meeting underlines the current fragility of Lyon in high-stakes matches and the solidity of Sparta at home in the European qualifying rounds. The return match promises to be hot and decisive: OL are forced to try their luck in front of their home crowd while Sparta will be able to manage their advantage and play on the counter.
Key facts: venue EPET Arena (Prague), referee Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands). Goals: csc Martin Suchomel (45') for Lyon, Matěj Rineš (63') for Sparta, Jon Mercado (69') for Sparta. Missed penalty: Corentin Tolisso (67'). The double confrontation will conclude on August 11 in France, with a semi-surprise which leaves the door open for a spectacular end to the tie.
Image
The rest
The return match, scheduled for August 11 in France, will be decisive for both teams. Lyon will need to turn things around if they have any hope of continuing their Champions League run, while Sparta Prague will look to defend their lead and qualify for the group stage, strengthening their stature as a UEFA Champions League club.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Sparta Prague vs Lyon match?
The final score was 2-1 in favor of Sparta Prague.
What were the goals scored in the Sparta Prague - Lyon match?
Martin Suchomel scored an own goal for Lyon, Matěj Rineš equalized for Sparta Prague, and Jon Mercado scored the winning goal.
What impact does this match have on the Champions League standings?
This result puts Sparta Prague in a favorable position ahead of the second leg, while Lyon must improve their performance to hope to qualify.
When is the return match between Lyon and Sparta Prague played?
The return match is scheduled for August 11 in France.
Who was the referee for the Sparta Prague vs Lyon match?
The referee of the match was Serdar Gözübüyük.
Related Articles
Frequently asked questions
📰Related articles
- “51 against 49”: Nikitine judges the France–Spain semi-final
- The rumor about Sadio Mané's international retirement was false,
- Anderlecht and Gent draw in their opening matches
- Jürgen Klopp appointed Germany coach: a new start
- Kirovets‑Voshozhdenie — Tosno: 0-3, Tosno qualifies for
- Derry City wins against UCD and qualifies for the