- 1 Sparta Prague vs Olympique Lyonnais : a first step back toward the top of Europe
- 2 Sparta Prague lean on their home fortress
- 3 Olympique Lyonnais are out to silence the doubts
- 4 Probable lineups :
- 5 Champions League prediction : Sparta Prague vs Olympique Lyonnais
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Facts change
- 9 Your responsibility
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Sparta Prague vs Olympique Lyonnais : a first step back toward the top of Europe 
A huge night awaits Sparta Prague and Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday at the Letna Stadium. Both clubs were spared the first two qualifying rounds, and now they are just four matches away from a coveted place in the Champions League league phase.
For Sparta, the aim is simple: prove they belong back on the biggest stage in Europe after featuring in 2024-25. Lyon, meanwhile, have a point to prove after a turbulent recent history, having not played in the Champions League since their 2020 semi-final run.
With the Czechs already up to speed in competitive action and the French side still trying to find their bearings after a mixed build-up, this first leg should be fierce.
Sparta Prague lean on their home fortress 
Second only to Slavia in the league last season, Brian Priske’s side responded well at the weekend with a 3-1 win over Zlin, wiping out the damage from their opening-day slip-up. It was the sort of result that lifts a dressing room before a night like this.
History, though, does not exactly scream optimism for Sparta against Lyon: the Czech club have never beaten them in six meetings, losing five and drawing one. Still, the Maroons can point to a strong home run, going six straight matches unbeaten in all competitions at Letna, with only three goals conceded.
Physically, Prague already have competitive sharpness that could matter early on against an opponent still getting up to full speed.
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Olympique Lyonnais are out to silence the doubts 
Last season ended badly for Paulo Fonseca’s men. They were sitting on the podium with two matches left, only to lose their last two and tumble to fourth, leaving Olympique Lyonnais stuck in these awkward qualifying rounds.
Their first official game of 2026-2027 comes with a few question marks. After a promising start to the summer, preparations ended with a rude awakening in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Real Betis. It was a warning shot, and one that demands a response on Tuesday.
The good news is that Lyon have usually travelled well in Europe in first legs. They are unbeaten in nine straight away first legs in European competition, a run that stretches back to 2017. That sort of resolve needs to hold up again before the return leg at Groupama Stadium.
Probable lineups :
Sparta Prague : Surovcik ; Mercado, Sorensen, Sevinsky, Suchomel ; Irving, Sochurek ; Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin ; Brunes.
Olympique Lyonnais : Greif ; Ouedraogo, Kluivert, Mata, Maitland-Niles ; Tolisso, Morton, Tessmann ; Duranville, Himbert, Boudache.
Champions League prediction : Sparta Prague vs Olympique Lyonnais
Both teams to score
Lyon may have the stronger squad on paper, at least in terms of individual quality, but Sparta come into this tie with a clear edge in rhythm and physical sharpness thanks to their domestic season already being under way.
Brutal at Letna, where they usually find the net, the Czechs have the tools to trouble a Lyon back line that looked flimsy against Betis. But the French side still have plenty of firepower of their own, enough to punish any lapse. This has the feel of an open contest, with both sides capable of landing a blow.
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Facts change
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