Sparta Prague to field a weakened side against Lyon in Champions League return
Sparta Prague’s Champions League third qualifying round return leg against Lyon will see them without their captain, Lukas Haraslin, following his surprise move to Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia.
After five seasons at Sparta Prague, Haraslin exited the club just days after the first leg victory over Lyon (2-1) to join Al-Fateh, the Saudi Pro League side. The transfer, reportedly worth around €5 million, marks the second major departure this summer, following Jan Kuchta’s move to Legia Warsaw.
With Haraslin’s absence, Danish manager Brian Priske faces a reshuffle. Josimar Alcocer, who impressed in the first leg, is expected to step in as his replacement. Priske’s side, fresh off a league defeat at Mladá Boleslav with seven new signings, aims to replicate their Groupama Stadium performance to secure a historic Champions League group stage spot.
Priske remains optimistic ahead of decisive clash
« We have a real opportunity to qualify if we repeat our performance from the first leg. Lyon came here for their season opener, which is never easy. They haven’t played since then, giving us a slight edge. I hope we remain consistent, especially in midfield. »
