OL v Sparta Prague, Lyon face uphill task | OneFootball

OL must overturn a one-goal deficit against Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round second leg after a 1-2 defeat in the first meeting. Failure to do so would end their run at this stage.

According to Le Progres, OL ended Monday’s session with penalties. Tyler Morton noted they had not worked on them much but added the drill as it could feature, and highlighted the strength of their goalkeepers.

At Groupama Stadium, the Lyon players emerged to applause from a partially filled ground. Sparta Prague then came out to warm up to loud boos.

The Virage Sud unfurled a banner for captain Corentin Tolisso, reading “Captain Coco, exemplary and combative. Thank you for your loyalty”. The Virage Nord responded by chanting his name.

Enzo Molebe has been loaned again, having finished last season at Montpellier, and will seek minutes with Lausanne Sport in Switzerland as Paulo Fonseca is not counting on him.

Nicolas Tagliafico has only just returned to Lyon and to training, so he needs a few weeks to be ready, as does Khalis Merah after a major pre-season ankle sprain. Tagliafico is suspended tonight, so fitness was not a selection factor.

Mads Bidstrup, reported to have knee cartilage damage, and forward Pavel Sulc, also injured and possibly up for sale, are both absent. Asked about them, Paulo Fonseca gave little away, saying they would be back soon.

Moussa Niakhaté is set to bring leadership. In attack, Ernest Nuamah, who has not started since 5 April 2025 following ACL surgery, and Malick Fofana, limited since his ankle injury on 26 October last year, will operate around a promising Loïs Openda.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”