2026/2027 Champions League: Lyon vs. Sparta Prague, Probable Lineups

Lyon and Sparta Prague take the field at 9 p.m. for the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round against Sparta Prague. The series resumes following the Czechs’ 2-1 victory in the first leg in Prague: Paulo Fonseca’s team must overturn the deficit or risk a shocking elimination and relegation to the Europa League.

The French side is relying on a front three of Abner, Openda, and Fofana: the former Juventus player will look to make an immediate impact after his nightmare spell at Juventus. In midfield are Morton and Tolisso, with Maitland Nyles and Oueadrogo on the wings.

Brunes is the visitors’ center forward, with Mercado, Karabec, and Alcocer providing support. In the center of midfield, Irving partners with Macek, while Suchomel and Rynes play on the flanks.

Lyon vs. Sparta Prague: Probable Lineups
Lyon (3-4-3): Greif; Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert; Maitland-Nyles, Morton, Tolisso, Ouedraogo; Abner, Openda, Fofana. Head Coach: Fonseca.
Sparta Prague (4-2-3-1): Surovcik; Suchomel, Sevinsky, Sorensen, Rynes; Irving, Macek; Mercado, Karabec, Alcocer; Brunes. Head Coach: Priske.

The stakes are extremely high, especially in terms of the transfer market: the winner of the Lyon vs. Sparta Prague match will face the winner of Fenerbahçe vs. Sturm Graz in the final playoff, with a spot in the Champions League group stage as the ultimate prize. Lyon recently secured the services of Zachary Athekame, a Swiss fullback born in 2004, on a dry loan from Milan. The youngster, who made 29 appearances for the Rossoneri in Serie A last season and scored two crucial goals, thus joins another former Milan coach, Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese coach considers him an immediate addition to the rotation, ready to make an impact starting this European campaign.