Ligue blow for Lyon after Bétis Séville defeat, travel to République

En Olympique Lyonnais, at the Lyon training ground, the mood is tense after a 0‑4 pre‑season drubbing by Bétis Séville on Wednesday; the team will reconvene on Tuesday for their Champions League debut, travelling to the Republic of Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague.

Paulo Fonseca’s men will step onto Sparta Prague’s pitch for the third‑round preliminary first leg of the Champions League. The tie marks the first decisive clash of the 2026‑27 campaign.

The Gones must make the journey to the Czech Republic without six squad members. The absences stem from suspensions and injuries sustained earlier in the season.

Defenders Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico sit out after being suspended for red cards received in the Europa League round‑of‑16 second leg against Celta Vigo, a 0‑2 loss in March. Their expulsions left Lyon short‑handed in the defensive line.

Midfielders Pavel Sulc and Mads Bidstrup remain in treatment, described by L’Équipe as having been ‘physically touched’ during recent action. Both have missed collective training but continue individual sessions.

Khalis Merah is also unavailable, nursing an ankle sprain. He, too, has been training alone to speed recovery.

New defensive signing Felix Bacher is not yet registered for this European round, adding to the depleted roster. His registration will be completed for later stages of the competition.