Olympique Lyonnais returned to Letná for the first time in five years, this time for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. Sparta looked the stronger side in the opening half and even found the net through Jonatan Brunes, but the goal was ruled out for an offside by John Mercado in the build-up. Just before the break, however, the visitors took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Martin Suchomel. The second half was full of drama. After another disallowed Sparta goal, Matěj Ryneš finally equalised by converting Andy Irving’s lofted pass. Corentin Tolisso then had the chance to restore Lyon’s lead from the penalty spot but failed to convert, and moments later John Mercado completed the turnaround. Despite late pressure from the French side, Sparta held on for a memorable victory – our first over a French club in European competition in 19 years.
AC Sparta Praha – Olympique Lyonnais 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: 63. Ryneš (Irving), 70. Mercado (Ryneš) – 45. Suchomel (vl.). Yellow Cards: 66. Karabec, 90+4. Ryneš. Referees: S. Gözübüyük – P. Inia, R. Honig (M. Vos) | VAR: P. van Boekel | AVAR: J. Manschot. Attendance: 17 515.
Sparta: Surovčík – Suchomel, Sørensen, Ševínský, Ryneš – Irving (75. Eneme), Macek, Karabec (84. Sochůrek) – Mercado (90+2. Kuol), Brunes (85. Singhateh), Alcócer (84. Haraslín).
Olympique: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert – Maitland-Niles, Morton, de Carvalho (76. Nuamah), Quedraogo (76. Fofana) – Abner Vinicius, Openda, Tolisso.
