After securing a respectable fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, Olympique Lyonnais earned their spot in the UEFA Champions League preliminary rounds. The French club now faces just two more hurdles to reach the coveted group stage, a phase they have not experienced since 2020. This ambition comes with a significant challenge, especially considering their somewhat inconsistent pre-season preparations, which included a notable 4-0 defeat against Betis Sevilla in their final warm-up match. The team will need to elevate their performance to overcome their Czech opponents and progress in Europe’s elite competition.

Meanwhile, Sparta Prague has already commenced their domestic campaign, having completed two rounds of the Chance Liga. The Czech side, who finished as vice-champions behind fierce rivals Slavia Prague last season, has experienced a mixed start to their current term, recording one defeat (1-3 against Brno) and one victory (3-1 over Zlin). Under the guidance of coach Brian Priske, Sparta Prague previously demonstrated their European credentials in the 2025-2026 season by successfully navigating the qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage, overcoming teams like Shamrock Rovers, Steaua Bucharest, and Malmö along the way. Their recent European experience could prove a valuable asset in this crucial fixture.