With the 2025–2026 season behind them, Olympique Lyonnais is now focused on securing a spot in the next UEFA Champions League. A fourth-place finish in France’s top flight means the Gones must navigate two qualifying rounds—starting with a showdown against Sparta Prague—before they can dream of group-stage football once more.
On the opposite side, Sparta Prague completed last season as league runners-up under Danish coach Brian Priske. The Czech side is aiming to repeat its 2024–2025 feat, when it advanced past the qualifying hurdles by overcoming Shamrock Rovers, Steaua Bucarest (FSCB), and Malmö to reach the group stage itself.
Yet history weighs heavily against Sparta Prague. Across six prior meetings with Lyon, the Czech club has managed just a single draw and no victories (five losses). Could Letná Stadium finally see a different outcome this time? The answer may hinge on Lyon’s shaky preseason form, which featured three straight losses—including a defeat to Slavia Prague.
Want to catch the clash live? Here’s everything you need to follow the third-round Champions League qualifier between Sparta Prague and Lyon, from kick-off details to broadcast options.
Key match facts: Sparta Prague vs Lyon
- Date: Tuesday, 4 August
- Kick-off: 20:00 CEST
- Venue: epet ARENA, Prague
- Referee: Gozubuyuk S.
- VAR: Available
Where to watch in France
TV: CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France
Live streaming: CANAL+ Live 1
Betting odds (Betclic)
Sparta Prague win: 3.10
Draw: 3.43
Lyon win: 1.97
Sparta Prague: recent form and probable lineup
After a slow start in the Czech league—a 3-1 loss at FC Zbrojovka Brno—Sparta bounced back with a 3-1 home win over FC Zlín. Under Priske, the team has already found its rhythm and should be in fine fettle to host Lyon.
The summer transfer window saw key departures (Kairinen to AEK Athens, Albion Rrahmani to Venezia), but also inspired arrivals. Among them is Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland, who plundered 16 goals for Raków Częstochowa last term.
Probable XI:
Surovcik – Kaderabek, Sevinsky, Zeleny, Mercado – Irving, Sochurek – Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin – Braut
Head coach: Brian Priske
Lyon: resilience and squad updates
Despite early predictions of struggle, Lyon defied the odds to finish fourth, narrowly missing a Champions League spot. Two more qualifying rounds now stand between the club and a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Recent months have brought fresh challenges. Three preseason defeats have exposed gaps, while financial fair-play constraints require further player sales. Paulo Fonseca will also be without several first-team players: Mads Bidstrup (injured), Pavel Šulc (injured), Nicolas Tagliafico, and Moussa Niakhaté are all unavailable. The good news? New signing Loïs Openda is set to start.
Probable XI:
Greif – Maitland-Niles, Mata, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – de Carvalho, Morton, Tolisso – Boudache, Himbert, Duranville
Head coach: Paulo Fonseca
How to watch the match live
French viewers will need an active CANAL+ subscription to watch the game. The match is scheduled for broadcast on CANAL+ Foot and CANAL+ France, with live streaming available via CANAL+ Live 1.
Head-to-head: Sparta Prague vs Lyon
Sparta Prague has never beaten Lyon. Across six prior meetings—all in UEFA competitions—Czech side managed just one draw (1-1 in Prague, 2012) and five defeats. The most recent clash, a 2021 Europa League tie, saw Lyon win 3-0 at home. Over the last five outings, the Gones have outscored their opponents 15-5, reinforcing the French side’s clear edge.
Champions League qualifier odds
Sparta Prague to advance: 3.30
Lyon to advance: 1.25
Odds correct at time of writing; prices subject to change.
