Corentin TOLISSO of Lyon and Ernest NUAMAH of Lyon celebrate the victory in front of fans after the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Lyon and Rennes at Groupama Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Ewen Gavet/Icon Sport)
Olympique Lyonnais kicks off their 2026-2027 campaign with a high-stakes clash in Prague this Tuesday. The third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League awaits the Gones as they take on Sparta Prague, marking France’s first major foray into European competition this season.
An early test for Paulo Fonseca’s men
Fresh off a summer transfer window that brought seven reinforcements—including Loïs Openda and Julien Duranville—the Rhône-based side is eager to prove their mettle. Yet their final preseason outing ended in a sobering 4-0 defeat to Betis, leaving questions about their readiness for the rigors ahead. Still, Lyon’s pedigree in continental tournaments suggests they remain contenders.
A marathon begins in the Czech Republic
Tuesday’s fixture in Prague is more than just a single match; it’s the opening leg of a potential two-round journey. A win would secure Lyon’s place in the playoff stage, where they could face either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz. Meanwhile, domestic duties in Ligue 1 resume on August 22 with a trip to Toulouse, adding further pressure to their already packed schedule.
Where to watch the clash
The highly anticipated showdown kicks off at 20:00 CET and will be broadcast live exclusively on Canal+, offering fans the chance to witness Corentin Tolisso and his teammates take their first step toward Champions League glory.
