Sparta need only one more point in the group table to proceed to the next round of the UEFA Europa League. After a disappointing draw in Israel two weeks ago, they have another opportunity now – against strong French side, Olympic Lyonnais.
Both teams are in need of one point to achieve their goals for the group stage. Sparta want to go through the group stage, Olympique want to claim the first spot for good. And it is sure that one or both teams will achieve the goals on Thursday night at the GENERALI Arena.
“That one point is very close and actually very far at the same time,” said the home coach Vítězslav Lavička, but ensured the fans the players are going to put all the effort in the match. “We will be as determined as we were in the previous games. We want to make the fans happy and secure us our spot in the next round of the competition,” said Lavička.
Lavička is also looking back at the previous meeting, in September in Lyon. “The home team had deserved to win. We need to be active in the offence and be responsible when playing without the ball,” said the coach.
Midfielder Ladislav Krejčí was the only Sparta player to score in the previous match against Olympique and his goal had put the home side under pressure. “The last twenty minutes of the previous match against Lyon may be some sort of a hint for us. We want to play actively and show the opponent we can play tough,” said Krejčí.
Olympique Lyonnais have arrived in Prague without a couple of their first squad players. Gomis, Biševac, Bastos and many others have stayed in France and Lyon’s young players will get their chance instead.
“We will mix our young and experienced players. We have come here to play a European competition game, and you can’t underestimate that,”reminded Olympique’s coach Remi Garde. “We will not lack motivation. We want to secure ourselves the first spot in the group table and show that we are on the right track,” said Garde.
Even Krejčí admits that Olympique is not going to be any weaker without the players that have stayed back in France. “Even though their squad is not that strong this time, their quality is still huge. We just have to focus on other players, which does not mean the match is going to be any easier,” said Krejčí.
The match at the GENERALI Arena in Prague on Thursday 22nd starts at 7pm CET.
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