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 kick off their European campaign this evening as they travel to face Sparta Prague in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The Groupama Stadium side, ranked fourth in Ligue 1 last season, will be aiming to make a strong start to their 2026-27 campaign with a win in Czech territory.
First European challenge for Lyon
After a subdued preseason that culminated in a 4-0 friendly defeat to Betis on July 29, Paulo Fonseca’s men will need to quickly regain their competitive edge. With seven new signings already integrated into the squad—including promising forwards Loïs Openda and Julien Duranville—the Gones appear well-prepared for this crucial encounter.
Sparta Prague, no strangers to European competition, present a winnable challenge on paper. However, the intensity and stakes of Champions League football demand a sharp performance from the French side if they are to progress confidently to the next stage.
A high-stakes duel with long-term implications
The outcome of tonight’s match will set the tone for Lyon’s push toward European football’s elite competition. A positive result would not only secure a psychological advantage but also ease the pressure ahead of their Ligue 1 opener against Toulouse on August 22.
Victory in Prague would also set up a playoff tie against either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz on August 18-19 and 25-26. The stakes are high, and Lyon cannot afford to underestimate their opponents in this decisive qualifier.
Where and when to watch the match
The clash between Lyon and Sparta Prague gets underway at 8:00 PM local time. French viewers can catch the action live on Canal+.
Key details for tonight’s match
- Teams: Olympique Lyonnais vs Sparta Prague
- Competition: UEFA Champions League third qualifying round
- Venue: epet ARENA, Prague
- Kickoff: 20:00 CEST
- TV Channel: Canal+
