For Olympique Lyonnais, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they embark on their European campaign this season. Following a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 last May, the Olympique Lyonnais (OL) face a crucial challenge: securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Their journey begins with a third-round qualifier against Sparta Prague, a match that could redefine their season. Failure to advance would relegate them to the UEFA Europa League, regardless of other outcomes. The stakes are set—qualification or humiliation awaits.
The Gones, as they’re affectionately known, will be without several key players for the first leg in the Czech capital. Suspensions have sidelined Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico, while injuries have ruled out Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc. Fresh arrival Felix Bacher, the club’s seventh summer recruit, remains ineligible for this match. The attacking trio is expected to feature Julien Duranville, the Belgian winger signed from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million, Abner (a left-back deployed on the right flank), and Loïs Openda, the new loan striker from Juventus. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert are likely to start from the bench.
Anticipated starting XI for OL: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – Morton, De Carvalho, Tolisso – Abner, Openda, Duranville.
Where to watch the match
Sparta Prague, the Czech league’s runners-up, will host the match at the epet Arena, a 18,349-capacity venue. The home side will rely on Adam Karabec, a creative midfielder who spent last season on loan at Lyon, to lead their attack. Up front, Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Haaland, will spearhead the offensive efforts.
Should Lyon advance to the playoff round, their next opponent will be decided by the outcome of the Fenerbahçe vs. Sturm Graz tie, as determined by Monday’s draw. The first leg of this high-stakes European clash is set to air on Canal+, the premium sports channel in France. The return leg, scheduled for next Tuesday at 19:00, will also be broadcast on the same platform. Notably, all third-round return matches in the Champions League are slated for Tuesday due to the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, which takes place on Wednesday and is also exclusive to Canal+.
