Sparta Prague to field lineup without captain for Champions League return against Lyon
Following Lukas Haraslin’s transfer to Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia, Sparta Prague will be without their captain for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Olympique Lyonnais. The Czech side, fresh off a 2-1 victory in Lyon, aims to secure their place in the group stage.
After five seasons with the club, former captain Lukas Haraslin completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh following Sparta Prague’s first-leg triumph over Lyon. The transfer, reportedly worth around €5 million, marks the second major departure from the team after striker Jan Kuchta‘s move to Legia Warsaw earlier in the summer.
With the Danish manager Brian Priske facing rebuilding challenges after last weekend’s league defeat at Mladá Boleslav, Sparta Prague must find a way to maintain their momentum. Midfielder Josimar Alcocer, who impressed in the first leg, is expected to step into the captain’s role, with the Czech side likely to field an unchanged starting XI at Groupama Stadium.
«We have a real opportunity to qualify if we replicate our first-leg performance,» stated Priske. «Lyon traveled for their season opener in our stadium, which is never straightforward. They haven’t played since then, giving us a slight edge. I hope we remain consistent, particularly in midfield.»