Lyon’s path to the Champions League resumes with a high-stakes qualifier against Sparta Prague. The Groupama Stadium side, currently fourth in Ligue 1, must navigate a tough third qualifying round to secure their spot in the group stage. A slip-up means a shift to the Europa League, adding extra pressure to this week’s double-header.
The French club, under Paulo Fonseca’s guidance, faces a formidable challenge in the Czech capital. Sparta Prague, runners-up in their domestic league, boast a compact squad led by creative midfielder Adam Karabec—once a Lyon loanee—and striker Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland. Their home ground, the epet Arena, will be buzzing as they aim to upset the odds against a Lyon side missing key defensive reinforcements.
Missing players and lineup adjustments
Lyon’s preparation has been disrupted by absences. Defenders Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico sit out due to suspensions, while injuries sideline Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc. New signing Felix Bacher remains ineligible. This forces Fonseca to reshuffle his defensive setup, potentially handing debuts to promising youngsters like Loïs Openda, the Juventus loanee leading the attack, and Belgian winger Julien Duranville, signed from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million.
The attacking trio is expected to feature Duranville, Abner—converted to right-back—and Openda up front. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert are likely to feature from the bench, ready to inject fresh energy into the contest.
Where to watch the match
The clash is set for a prime-time slot on Canal+, with kickoff at 20:00. This marks Lyon’s first European outing of the season, and the return leg, scheduled for next Tuesday at 19:00, will also air on the same channel. All second-leg matches in this qualifying round are slotted for Tuesday evenings, following the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory in Prague would put Lyon firmly on track for the group stages, while a draw or loss could plunge them into a tense playoff scenario. Either way, the Gones must bring their best to overcome a determined Sparta side fighting for European glory.