Sparta recorded a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 against Lazio. Frýdek opened the score at Letná, but Parolo levelled the score right before the halftime whistle.
David Lafata remained in the line-up after the match against Jablonec on the weekend, Marek Matějovský recovered from an injury, but remained at the bench.
Lazio put Sparta under pressure in the beginning, but Parolo failed in their biggest chance, as he only hit Holek in front of the goal.
On the other side, David Lafata missed with his effort from a sharp angle. A couple of minutes later, the captain chipped the ball to Martin Frýdek, who opened the score with an amazing shot over Marchetti.
Sparta could not enjoy the halftime lead, as Parolo levelled the score with a rebound after a corner kick following a series of chances for the Italian team.
Candreva had the biggest goal opportunity of the second half, shooting from a position similar to the one Frýdek had in the first half, but only hit the bar.
Apart from their fast counter attack, Lazio were defending well in the second half, causing Sparta some serious trouble in the offence. None of the teams could get the lead until the final whistle, the second leg will be played next week in Rome.
AC Sparta Praha - SS Lazio 1-1 (1-1)
Goals: 13' Frýdek - 38' Parolo
Bookings: Zahustel - Matri
Bookings: Zahustel - Matri
Line-ups:
Sparta: Bičík - Zahustel, Brabec, Holek, Costa - Mareček, Vácha, Frýdek - Dočkal (59' Fatai), Krejčí - Lafata (61' Juliš).
Lazio: Marchetti - Konko (46' Basta, 65' Maurício), Biševac, Hoedt, Radu - Milinković, Biglia, Parolo - Candreva, Matri (55' Lulić), Keita.
Sparta: Bičík - Zahustel, Brabec, Holek, Costa - Mareček, Vácha, Frýdek - Dočkal (59' Fatai), Krejčí - Lafata (61' Juliš).
Lazio: Marchetti - Konko (46' Basta, 65' Maurício), Biševac, Hoedt, Radu - Milinković, Biglia, Parolo - Candreva, Matri (55' Lulić), Keita.
Match officials: Mallenco - del Palomar, Cabanero - Gómez, Estrada.
Attendance: 17482.
Attendance: 17482.
