The Olympique Lyonnais (OL) kick off their 2026-2027 season early this Tuesday, August 4th, with a high-stakes clash against Sparta Prague in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. This encounter marks France’s first entry into this season’s European football spectacle, setting the stage for Lyon’s ambitious return to the continent’s premier competition.
Under the guidance of coach Paulo Fonseca, the Rhône-based club has already bolstered its squad with seven new signings, including Belgian striker Loïs Openda and winger Julien Duranville. Despite a lackluster pre-season, culminating in a heavy 4-0 friendly loss to Betis on July 29th, Lyon is determined to prove its mettle against a Prague side no stranger to European battles.
How to watch Lyon vs Sparta Prague
Fans eager to follow the action live can tune in from 8:00 PM CET, with the match exclusively broadcast on Canal+. The game, played on Spartan soil, will be a critical first step in Lyon’s potential Champions League journey, following a two-leg format.
What’s next for Lyon?
Should Lyon advance past Sparta Prague, they’ll face either Fenerbahçe or Sturm Graz in the playoff round (August 18-19 and 25-26). Meanwhile, their domestic campaign resumes on August 22nd with a Ligue 1 away trip to Toulouse. The stakes are high, with Fonseca’s men aiming to balance European ambitions and league performance from the outset.
