For Olympique Lyonnais, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After securing fourth place in Ligue 1 last season, the Olympique Lyonnais (OL) now faces a crucial European challenge. The club kicks off its UEFA Champions League campaign early, entering the third qualifying round with a must-win mentality. Failing to advance would mean a shift to the UEFA Europa League, a scenario no Lyon fan would welcome. The first leg against Sparta Prague, scheduled for Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM local time in the Czech capital, is a pivotal test for Paulo Fonseca’s squad.
The Gones are missing key defensive pillars. Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico are suspended, while Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc remain unavailable. Fresh signing Felix Bacher, the club’s seventh summer recruit, is still awaiting clearance. Up front, Julien Duranville—recently snapped up from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million—is poised to make an impact alongside Abner, deployed on the right flank, and Loïs Openda, the new loan striker from Juventus. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert are likely to start from the bench.
Anticipated line-up for OL against Sparta Prague
Predicted starting XI for Lyon: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – Morton, De Carvalho, Tolisso – Abner, Openda, Duranville.
Where to watch the match live
Sparta Prague, currently the Czech Republic’s runner-up, will host the clash at the 18,349-capacity epet ARENA. Their top playmaker, Adam Karabec—who spent last season on loan at Lyon—will pull the strings. Up front, Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland, spearheads the attack.
Should Lyon advance, they’ll face the winner of the Fenerbahçe vs. Sturm Graz tie in the play-off round. The return leg, set for next Tuesday at 7:00 PM, will also be broadcast on Canal+. All second-leg matches in this qualifying round are scheduled for Tuesdays due to the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, slated for Wednesday.
