Sparta prague vs lyon live stream and team news

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The Olympique Lyonnais are desperate to secure a spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League after a strong 2025-2026 season. However, their fourth-place finish last year means they must navigate two qualifying rounds and a potential playoff to reach the group stages.

Standing in their way is Sparta Prague, the Czech champions’ runners-up from last season. Under the guidance of Danish coach Brian Priske, the Prague-based side aims to replicate their 2024-2025 feat, where they advanced to the group stage by overcoming Shamrock Rovers, Steaua Bucarest (FSCB), and Malmö.

History suggests this won’t be easy. In six previous meetings, Lyon has dominated, winning five times with just one draw. The Czechs will have home advantage at the epet ARENA, especially after Lyon suffered a rocky pre-season, including a loss to Slavia Prague.

Want to catch the action as Sparta Prague and Lyon battle in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round? Here’s where you can watch the match live on TV and stream it online.

Sparta Prague vs Lyon: key match details

• Date: Tuesday, August 4

• Kickoff: 8:00 PM CEST

• Venue: epet ARENA, Prague

• Referee: Gozubuyuk S.

• VAR: Available

• TV broadcast: CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France

• Live streaming: CANAL+ Live 1

• Betting odds (Betclic): Sparta Prague win @ 3.10 / Draw @ 3.43 / Lyon win @ 1.97

Sparta Prague: latest updates and probable lineup

After a shaky start to the league season with a loss to FC Zbrojovka Brno (1-3), Sparta Prague bounced back with a convincing 3-1 home win over FC Zlín. Under Priske, the team is already finding its rhythm ahead of this high-stakes clash.

The summer transfer window was eventful, with key departures like Kairinen (to AEK) and Albion Rrahmani (Venezia). However, reinforcements arrived, including Jonatan Braut Brunes, a prolific striker who netted 16 goals for Raków last season—yes, he’s Erling Haaland’s cousin.

No last-minute surprises are expected, but Sparta Prague remains active in the transfer market, so anything could change before kickoff.

Sparta Prague probable lineup:

Surovcik – Kaderabek, Sevinsky, Zeleny, Mercado – Irving, Sochurek – Alcocer, Karabec, Haraslin – Braut.

Head Coach: Brian Priske

Lyon: squad news and expected starting XI

Despite early predictions of a tough season, Lyon showed resilience, finishing fourth in the league after chasing a top-three spot. Now, they face a daunting path to Champions League qualification, with two qualifying rounds ahead.

The pre-season hasn’t gone smoothly either—three consecutive losses, including a defeat to Slavia Prague. Financial fair-play constraints mean they must sell players, adding pressure ahead of this crucial tie.

Paulo Fonseca will be without several key players, including Mads Bidstrup and Pavel Šulc due to injuries. Internationals Nicolas Tagliafico and Moussa Niakhaté are also unavailable. The good news? New signing Loïs Openda, their marquee summer recruit, is expected to start.

Lyon probable lineup:

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 on TV and online

In France, CANAL+ is the exclusive broadcaster for this UEFA Champions League qualifier. You can watch the match on CANAL+ Foot, CANAL+ France, or stream it via CANAL+ Live 1—but a subscription is required for all options.

Sparta Prague vs Lyon: head-to-head history

Sparta Prague has never beaten Lyon in six meetings, losing five times and drawing once. Their most recent clash in 2021—a Europa League fixture—ended in a 3-0 away win for the Gones. Before that, Lyon also triumphed in Prague (4-3).

The only draw came in 2012, another Europa League tie in Prague (1-1). Over the last five matches, Lyon has outscored their opponents 15-5, reinforcing their dominance in this fixture.

Sparta Prague vs Lyon: betting odds for the match

Sparta Prague win: 3.10 (Betclic)

Draw: 3.43 (Betclic)

Lyon win: 1.97 (Betclic)

Betting odds for qualification

Sparta Prague to qualify: 3.30 (Betclic)

Lyon to qualify: 1.25 (Betclic)

Odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.