lyon prague live: follow the third qualifying round return match
With a precarious 2-1 first-leg deficit, Olympique Lyonnais faces a must-win clash against Sparta Prague at Groupama Stadium in the third qualifying round second leg of the UEFA Champions League. Live coverage of this high-stakes encounter begins at 21:00.
Under intense scrutiny following their disappointing away loss, Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has sprung a tactical surprise by fielding Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah from the start, alongside returning defender Moussa Niakhaté. The victor of this tie will progress to face either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz in the playoff round.
Lyon’s path to the playoffs hinges on a complete turnaround against Sparta Prague, who hold a slender one-goal advantage from the first leg in the Czech capital. The French side had briefly taken the lead through an own goal, but conceded twice within six minutes late in the game in Prague. A missed penalty by Corentin Tolisso in the 67th minute further compounded their difficulties.
Both teams secured their European credentials through strong domestic campaigns last season. Lyon finished fourth in Ligue 1 with 60 points from 18 wins, six draws and 10 losses, just one point behind third-placed Lille, earning their place in the third qualifying round. Sparta Prague, meanwhile, ended the Czech league as runners-up with 76 points, four adrift of champions Slavia Prague.
Despite their recent domestic setbacks—including a 2-0 loss to Mladá Boleslav on Saturday—the Czechs arrive in Décines with European momentum on their side. Lyon, yet to play a Ligue 1 fixture this season, will be looking to build on their away performance and turn the tie around under the Groupama Stadium lights.
