Lyon lose 2-1 to Sparta Prague in Champions League qualifying first leg

Olympique Lyonnais suffered a 2‑1 defeat in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, falling to Sparta Prague at the Prague National Stadium. The Czech side secured the win with a late goal, giving them a one‑goal advantage heading into the return fixture.

The second leg will be played on August 11 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, where Lyon will aim to overturn the deficit. Both teams will likely field their strongest line‑ups, with Lyon needing at least a two‑goal margin to advance, while Sparta will look to defend their lead and secure progression to the group stage.

The outcome of the home match will determine which club moves forward in the competition, with the aggregate score and away‑goals rule in effect. The result will also influence the clubs’ preparations for domestic league action in the coming weeks.