Lyon faces sparta prague in champions league qualifier kickoff

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) will kickstart their 2026-2027 season in style this Tuesday evening, as they take on Sparta Prague in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The clash, set to begin at 8 PM local time, marks Lyon’s immediate leap into European competition after finishing fourth in last season’s Ligue 1 campaign.

The Rhône-based club, widely known as Les Gones, will be the first French representatives to step onto the European stage this term. Under the guidance of head coach Paulo Fonseca, Lyon has already bolstered its squad with seven new signings, including the additions of Loïs Openda and Julien Duranville, ahead of this pivotal encounter.

From summer friendlies to European pressure

Though Lyon’s pre-season performance raised eyebrows—culminating in a 4-0 thrashing by Betis on July 29—their mettle will truly be tested against a Sparta Prague side equally experienced in continental football. The Czech outfit, fresh off their own summer campaign, presents an early opportunity for Fonseca’s men to prove their championship credentials.

What’s next for Lyon?

Securing a favorable result in Prague could propel Lyon into the Champions League playoffs, where they would face either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz in a two-legged tie scheduled for mid-August. Victory would also grant them a swift return to domestic action, with Ligue 1 action resuming on August 22 against Toulouse.

How to watch the match

The highly anticipated first leg between Lyon and Sparta Prague will be broadcast live on Canal+, starting at 20:00 CEST. Fans can tune in to witness Corentin Tolisso and his teammates take their first steps toward Champions League glory.