Lyon faces sparta prague in champions league qualifiers

For Lyon, the stakes couldn’t be higher: win or face humiliation. After finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last May, the club now faces a critical moment in the Champions League third qualifying round. The French side, led by Paulo Fonseca, must first overcome Sparta Prague in a two-legged tie, with the first leg set to kick off in the Czech capital on Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM local time.

Lyon’s squad has taken a significant hit ahead of the clash. Defenders Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico are suspended, while Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc remain unavailable. Additionally, seventh summer signing Felix Bacher is still awaiting clearance. The attacking lineup could see a reshuffle, with Belgian winger Julien Duranville—recruited from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million—starting alongside right-back-turned-left Abner and new striker Loïs Openda, on loan from Juventus. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert may find themselves on the bench to begin the match.

Lyon’s probable starting XI according to reports: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – Morton, De Carvalho, Tolisso – Abner, Openda, Duranville.

Where to watch the Lyon vs Sparta Prague qualifier

Sparta Prague, Czech Republic’s runner-up last season, will host Lyon at epet Arena, a 18,349-capacity venue. The hosts will rely heavily on Adam Karabec, their 10-shirted playmaker, who spent the previous campaign on loan at Lyon. Up front, Jonatan Braut Brunes—cousin of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland—will lead the attack.

Should Lyon advance, their next hurdle would be the playoff round, where they would face the winner of the Fenerbahçe vs Sturm Graz tie, as determined by Monday’s draw.

All eyes in French football will be on Canal+ for the first leg of this Champions League qualifier. The return match, scheduled for next Tuesday at 7:00 PM, will also air on the premium channel. Notably, all return fixtures in this round will be played on Tuesdays, with the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa, also broadcast on Canal+, taking place the following Wednesday.