Sparta prague to play champions league return leg without captain
Five million euros transfer secures Al-Fateh’s services. The Czech side, fresh from a 2-1 Champions League qualifying win over Lyon, will field a near-identical lineup in the return leg — minus one crucial leader.
After five seasons wearing the Sparta Prague shirt, captain Lukas Haraslin completed his move to Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia just days after the first leg victory over Lyon. The Saudi club paid a reported €5 million for the Czech international, who joined teammate Jan Kuchta at the Saudi Pro League side.
With Haraslin’s departure, manager Brian Priske faces tactical adjustments. The team’s recent 0-2 league defeat at Mladá Boleslav, featuring seven new players, underscored the need for stability. Though Haraslin’s absence is keenly felt, his replacement Josimar Alcocer delivered an impressive performance in the first leg. Sparta’s starting eleven is expected to remain unchanged for the Groupama Stadium showdown.
Priske’s road to recovery
Priske’s side has struggled in domestic action, but the Champions League provides a fresh challenge. «We have a real opportunity to qualify if we replicate our first-leg performance,» Priske noted. «Lyon arrived to contest their first match of the season on our turf. It’s never straightforward, especially with their midfield still finding rhythm.»
Key talking points ahead of the clash
- Leadership vacuum: Haraslin’s exit leaves a void in both leadership and experience.
- Lyon’s preparation: The French side’s extended break could work in Sparta’s favor.
- Tactical continuity: Alcocer’s form suggests minimal disruption to the starting lineup.
