Sparta Prague Lyon Champions League qualifier preview

Following a reasonably successful 2025-2026 campaign, Olympique Lyonnais harbors strong ambitions of securing a spot in the upcoming Champions League. Unfortunately for the Gones, they could only manage a fourth-place finish last season, meaning they must navigate a third qualifying round and, if successful, a subsequent playoff.

Standing in their way is Sparta Prague. The Czech capital club concluded its domestic league season in second place. Under the guidance of Danish coach Brian Priske, the Czech side aims to replicate their impressive feat from the 2024-2025 season, when they successfully reached the championship phase after overcoming Shamrock Rovers, Steaua Bucharest (FSCB), and Malmö.

However, the task ahead appears formidable. In six prior encounters against OL, the Czech team has never managed to secure a victory against the French squad (5 losses, 1 draw). Can they break this streak? At Letná, anything is possible for the Spartans, especially considering Lyon’s challenging pre-season, which included three consecutive defeats, notably one against Slavia Prague.

If you’re eager to follow this third-round Champions League qualifier between Sparta Prague and Lyon, we’ll detail the television channels broadcasting the match and the top legal streaming platforms where you can tune in.

Sparta Prague – Lyon: key match information

• Date: Tuesday, August 4

• Kick-off time: 8:00 PM CET

• Venue: epet ARENA, Prague

• Referee: Gozubuyuk S.

• VAR: Yes

• TV channels: CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France

• Live streaming: CANAL+ Live 1

• Odds (Betclic): Sparta Prague win @ 3.10 / Draw @ 3.43 / Lyon win @ 1.97

Sparta Prague: latest team news

After an initial league defeat against FC Zbrojovka Brno (3-1), Sparta Prague quickly rebounded with a convincing 3-1 home victory over FC Zlin. Priske’s men have only played two matches but are already finding their rhythm and are expected to host Lyon in good form.

Their off-season saw some significant changes, including the departures of key players like Kairinen (AEK) and Albion Rrahmani (Venezia). Nevertheless, they have made excellent new signings, notably Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland, who netted 16 goals for Rakow last season.

For this crucial fixture, the team boasts a full complement of players. Brian Priske will have his entire squad at his disposal, barring any unforeseen last-minute transfers, which remains a possibility given Sparta’s active presence in the summer 2026 transfer market.

Sparta Prague: probable lineup

Surovcik – Kaderabek, Sevinsky, Zeleny, Mercado – Irving, Sochurek – Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin – Braut.

Coach: Brian Priske

Lyon: latest team news

Many predicted a challenging 2025-2026 season for OL. However, the Gones demonstrated remarkable resilience, ultimately finishing fourth in the league after holding onto Champions League qualification hopes for much of the season, aiming for a podium finish.

Yet, the journey for the Lyonnais is far from over. First, they must successfully navigate two qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage. Compounding this, they have suffered three consecutive defeats in their pre-season friendly matches. Furthermore, they face pressure to sell players to meet financial fair play requirements, hoping for a more stable season than the last.

Ahead of this match, Paulo Fonseca will have to contend with several absences. Mads Bidstrup and Pavel Šulc are both sidelined due to injury. Additionally, international players Nicolas Tagliafico and Moussa Niakhaté will not be available. On a positive note, Loïs Openda, a significant attacking recruit this transfer window, is expected to feature.

Lyon: probable lineup

Greif – Maitland-Niles, Mata, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – de Carvalho, Morton, Tolisso – Boudache, Himbert, Duranville.

Coach: Paulo Fonseca

Where to watch Sparta Prague – OL on tv and streaming?

To catch the Champions League third-round qualifier between Sparta Prague and OL, a CANAL+ subscription is essential. The encrypted channel holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the match in France.

Therefore, you can watch this highly anticipated clash on CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France, and via CANAL+ Live 1 for streaming (which also requires a subscription).

Head-to-head history between Sparta Prague and Lyon

Sparta Prague has never managed to defeat Olympique Lyonnais. In six previous encounters, the Czech club has recorded five losses and one draw. The most recent match between the two teams was in 2021, a Europa League fixture where the Gones secured a 3-0 home victory. Prior to that, also in the Europa League, Lyon triumphed 4-3 at Letná.

The sole draw between the clubs dates back to 2012, another Europa League match played in Prague, which concluded in a 1-1 stalemate.

Across their last five games, Lyon has scored 15 goals compared to just 5 for Sparta. On all fronts, the Gones appear to have the upper hand over their opponents.