Lyon fall 2-1 at Sparta Prague in Champions League qualifier after Tolisso penalty miss and seven-minute collapse

Match summary

Lyon were beaten 2-1 by Sparta Prague on Tuesday 4 August in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. It was the first time in seven meetings between the two clubs that Sparta had defeated Lyon, who had previously recorded five wins and a draw. The French side took the lead in the 45th minute when Martin Suchomel turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Corentin Tolisso, following a cross from Abner Vinicius. Sparta had earlier threatened, with a Jonatan Braut Brunes goal disallowed for offside in the 20th minute and John Mercado squandering a clear chance just before half-time.

A seven-minute collapse

The match swung decisively after the hour mark. Matej Rynes equalised in the 63rd minute with a shot that beat Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif. Two minutes later, Lyon were awarded a penalty after Loïs Openda was fouled, but Tolisso's effort was saved. Sparta then struck again in the 69th minute when Mercado headed in a cross from Rynes to make it 2-1. A second Sparta goal, by Josimar Alcocer in the 56th minute, had also been ruled out for offside.

Lyon's shortcomings

Lyon lined up in a cautious, defensive shape with Openda as the lone striker, missing several players through injury and suspension. The performance followed a heavy 4-0 friendly defeat to Real Betis and did little to dispel concerns about the team's readiness. French media described the display as timid and lacking the collective intensity that had characterised the side the previous season.

Morton's reaction

Midfielder Tyler Morton did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle.

“Given what we produced, we didn't deserve better.”

He added that the team had not given enough to win and needed to fight more. Morton also rejected the idea that Tolisso's penalty miss was the turning point, saying the player had been brave to step up and that the miss was not what decided the match. He stressed that Lyon had lost the qualities that made them strong last season, in their play, their collective approach and their team spirit.

What comes next

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday 11 August at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. Lyon must win by at least two clear goals to progress directly, or by a single goal to force extra time. The winner of the tie will face either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz in the playoff round for a place in the Champions League group stage.