After five seasons with Sparta Prague, captain Lukas Haraslin concluded his chapter in the Czech capital following the first-leg victory over OL (2-1), entering play in the 84th minute before finalizing his move to Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. The transfer fee, reported at around €5 million, marks Sparta’s second major exit after Jan Kuchta’s departure to Legia Warsaw.
With Haraslin’s absence confirmed, coach Brian Priske faces a tactical challenge after Saturday’s league setback at Mladá Boleslav (0-2), where his revamped squad featured seven new faces. Josimar Alcocer, who impressed in the first leg, is expected to step into the captain’s role, with the Czech side likely to line up unchanged at Groupama Stadium.
« We have a real opportunity to qualify if we replicate our first-leg performance, » Priske stated. « Lyon traveled to contest their opening match of the season on our turf—never an easy task. They haven’t played since then, which gives us a slight edge. I hope we remain consistent, especially in midfield. »