Olympique Lyonnais faces a pivotal moment as they kick off their Champions League campaign this evening against Sparta Prague. The stakes are high: a win could secure their spot in the group stage, while failure would relegate them to the Europa League. The match, set for 20:00 local time in the Czech capital, marks the beginning of a challenging road that includes playoffs later this month. Lyon, currently fourth in Ligue 1, cannot afford any slip-ups if they aim to compete at Europe’s elite level.
The French side will be missing key defensive reinforcements, with Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico serving suspensions. Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc are also unavailable, and summer signing Felix Bacher remains ineligible. Paulo Fonseca’s lineup may feature exciting debutant Julien Duranville, a Belgian winger signed from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million. Abner, typically a left-back, is expected to operate on the right flank, while Loïs Openda, Lyon’s new loan signing from Juventus, should lead the attack. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert are likely to start from the bench.
Predicted Lyon starting XI: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – Morton, De Carvalho, Tolisso – Abner, Openda, Duranville.
Where to watch the Lyon vs Sparta Prague clash
Sparta Prague, the Czech Republic’s runners-up, will host the match at their 18,349-seat epet Arena. Adam Karabec, a former Lyon loanee, is expected to orchestrate their attack from the number 10 position, while Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland, leads the line.
Should Lyon advance, their playoff opponent will be determined by the outcome of the Fenerbahçe vs Sturm Graz tie, decided in a draw earlier this week. The French club’s European debut this season will be broadcast exclusively on Canal+, with the return leg scheduled for next Tuesday at 19:00. All third-round Champions League second legs are set for Tuesdays due to the Wednesday clash of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, also airing on Canal+.
