In the start of the first half, Haraslín and Kiese Thelin had good opportunities, but neither could beat the opposing goalkeeper. In the 31st minute, Olatunji passed the ball to Birmančević, who tried an one-timer from a distance. The ball was deflected by Haraslín and Malmö’s Stryger Larsen and ended up in Malmö's net. Towards the end of the half, the home team created several promising opportunities but failed to convert them.
In the second half, the home team tried to build on the momentum they gained in the final minutes of the first half. Sparta, however, responded with counterattacks. Haraslín and Vitík had serious chances, but unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize. In the final minutes, we attacked again. Ryneš got the ball under control and sent him past Dahlin, which means that we have a two-goal advantage for the second match.
Malmö FF – AC Sparta Praha 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: 31. Stryger Larsen (own), 89. Ryneš. Yellow Cards: 11. Busanello, 34. Pena, 69. Christiansen – 40. Olatunji, 62. Laci, 85. Pešek. Referee: J. Gil Manzano – D. Barbero, Á. Nevado (J. Martínez Munuera) | VAR: V. Gómez | AVAR: G. Cuadra. Attendance: 22 500.
Sestava Malmö: Dahlin – Busanello, Zätterström, Jansson, Stryger Larsen – Nanasi, Johnsen, Pena, Bolin (64. Ali) – Botheim (64. Christiansen), Kiese Thelin.
Sestava Sparty: Vindahl – Vitík (82. Zelený), Panák, Sørensen – Preciado (68. Wiesner), Laçi (68. Sadílek), Kairinen, Ryneš – Birmančević, Olatunji (60. Kuchta), Haraslín (82. Pešek).
