Lyon’s Olympique Lyonnais (OL) kicks off their Champions League campaign with a high-stakes qualifier against Sparta Prague. After finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last May, the Gones must secure a win to avoid dropping into the Europa League. A loss or draw in the first leg would put them under immense pressure ahead of the return match.

The match, set to take place in Prague under the lights, kicks off at 20:00 local time. Paulo Fonseca’s squad faces a tough challenge, with key players sidelined. Defender Moussa Niakhaté and left-back Nicolas Tagliafico are suspended, while midfielders Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc remain unavailable. Fresh arrival Felix Bacher, Lyon’s seventh recruit of the summer, is also yet to receive full clearance.

The attacking trio is expected to feature Belgian winger Julien Duranville, signed from Borussia Dortmund for €5 million, alongside versatile full-back Abner—deployed on the right— and Loïs Openda, the club’s new loan striker from Juventus. Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert may start from the bench, adding depth to an already talented squad.

Predicted starting XI for Lyon: Greif – Mata, Tessmann, Kluivert, Ouédraogo – Morton, De Carvalho, Tolisso – Abner, Openda, Duranville.

Where to watch the Sparta Prague vs Lyon qualifier

Lyon’s European debut will be broadcast live on Canal+, ensuring fans across France can follow the action without missing a moment. The return leg, scheduled for next Tuesday at 19:00, will also be aired on the same premium channel. This scheduling aligns with UEFA’s decision to stage all third-round return matches on Tuesdays, following the Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa the day before.

For Sparta Prague, the stakes are equally high. The Czech side, runners-up in their domestic league, will be looking to pull off a shock result in front of their home crowd at the epet Arena. Adam Karabec, a creative force in midfield, leads their attack, while Jonatan Braut Brunes—cousin of Manchester City star Erling Haaland—operates as the main striker.

Should Lyon advance, they will face the winner of the Fenerbahçe vs Sturm Graz tie in the playoff round, as determined by Monday’s draw.