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Following a 2025-2026 season where they delivered solid performances, Olympique Lyonnais are now targeting a spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League. However, their fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 last term means they must navigate a third qualifying round, with a potential playoff round looming if they advance.
Standing in their way is Sparta Prague, the Czech capital’s top club. Last season, the Prague-based side secured second place in their domestic league under the guidance of Danish manager Brian Priske. Their sights are set on repeating their 2024-2025 campaign, when they stunned their way into the group stage by overcoming Shamrock Rovers, Steaua Bucarest (FSCB), and Malmö FF in the qualifiers.
Yet the road ahead looks far from straightforward. In six prior meetings with Lyon, Sparta Prague has never managed to secure a victory against the French side (five losses, one draw). Could this be their chance to break the streak? At epet ARENA in Prague, underdogs often thrive—and Lyon’s preseason has done little to inspire confidence, featuring three straight defeats, including a heavy loss to Slavia Prague.
Want to catch the Champions League qualifier between Sparta Prague and Lyon? Here’s everything you need to know about how and where to watch the match live on television or via legal streaming platforms.
Key details for Sparta Prague vs Lyon
- Date: Tuesday, August 4
- Kickoff time: 8:00 PM CEST
- Venue: ePET ARENA, Prague
- Referee: Gozubuyuk S.
- VAR: Available
In France, the match will be broadcast live on CANAL+ Foot and CANAL+ France, with streaming options available via CANAL+ Live 1 (subscription required).
Latest betting odds (Betclic)
- Sparta Prague to win: 3.10
- Draw: 3.43
- Lyon to win: 1.97
Sparta Prague’s recent form and lineup
Despite a shaky start to the league season—losing 3-1 to FC Zbrojovka Brno—Sparta Prague quickly regrouped and claimed a 3-1 home victory over FC Zlín. With just two league matches played under new coach Priske, the team is already finding its rhythm and will face Lyon in good spirits.
The club has undergone a busy offseason, saying goodbye to key players like Kairinen (now at AEK Athens) and Albion Rrahmani (heading to Venezia FC). However, they’ve balanced departures with smart signings, notably Jonatan Braut Brunes, a prolific forward who netted 16 goals for Raków Częstochowa last season and happens to be the cousin of Erling Haaland.
As of now, Priske has a full squad at his disposal, though last-minute transfers remain a possibility given Prague’s active summer transfer window.
Likely starting XI for Sparta Prague:
Surovcik – Kaderabek, Sevinsky, Zeleny, Mercado – Irving, Sochurek – Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin – Brunes
Head coach: Brian Priske
Lyon’s challenges and projected lineup
Early predictions for Olympique Lyonnais in the 2025-2026 season suggested a tough road ahead. Yet the team defied expectations, finishing fourth in Ligue 1 after chasing a podium spot for much of the campaign. Now, their focus shifts to conquering two more qualification rounds before they can dream of a return to the Champions League group stage.
Complicating matters, Lyon has just endured a rocky preseason, suffering three consecutive losses, including a heavy defeat to Slavia Prague. Financial fair play constraints mean they must also balance the books by selling players before the transfer window closes.
Manager Paulo Fonseca will be without several key figures: Mads Bidstrup (injured), Pavel Šulc (also sidelined), and internationals Nicolas Tagliafico and Moussa Niakhaté. On a brighter note, Loïs Openda—the club’s marquee summer signing—is expected to feature prominently.
Likely starting XI for Lyon:
Greif – Maitland-Niles, Mata, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – de Carvalho, Morton, Tolisso – Boudache, Himbert, Duranville
Head coach: Paulo Fonseca
How to watch Sparta Prague vs Lyon live in France
French viewers will need an active CANAL+ subscription to watch the match, as the encrypted channel holds exclusive rights to the broadcast in the country. Tune in via CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France, or stream live on CANAL+ Live 1.
Head-to-head: Sparta Prague vs Lyon
Sparta Prague has never beaten Lyon in six competitive meetings, with five losses and one draw. Their most recent clash came in 2021 during the UEFA Europa League, when Lyon triumphed 3-0 in Lyon. Prior to that, in the same competition, the French side also won 4-3 in Prague.
The only draw between the two sides dates back to 2012, also in the Europa League, ending 1-1 in Prague. Over their last five encounters, Lyon has scored 15 goals to Sparta Prague’s five, underscoring the French side’s clear advantage.
Champions League qualifier odds
- Sparta Prague to qualify: 3.30
- Lyon to qualify: 1.25
Odds are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.
