Monday, December 23, 2024

Sparta Prague win first Champions League match in 21 years

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Sparta’s win was their first in the Champions League proper since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003 [Getty Images]

Sparta Prague marked their return to the Champions League after almost 19 years with a thumping win over Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.

The Czech champions’ last appearance in the competition proper came in December 2005 when they finished last in a group containing Arsenal, Ajax and FC Thun.

After such a long wait Sparta needed just 107 seconds to take the lead at home to Salzburg through Kaan Kairinen‘s effort on the rebound.

Victor Olatunji doubled Sparta’s advantage shortly before half-time with a fine volleyed effort.

Qazim Laci rounded off the win in the 58th minute with a simple strike after wrong-footing two defenders and the Salzburg goalkeeper with a dummied shot.

Sparta’s win was their first in the Champions League proper since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

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