Sparta Prague win first Champions League match in 21 years
Sparta Prague celebrated their return to the Champions League after nearly 19 years with an emphatic victory over Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
The Czech champions last competed in the tournament’s group stages in December 2005, finishing bottom of a group that included Arsenal, Ajax, and FC Thun.
Sparta wasted no time in making their mark, taking the lead just 107 seconds into the match when Kaan Kairinen scored on the rebound.
Victor Olatunji extended their lead with a well-executed volley just before halftime.
Qazim Laci sealed the win in the 58th minute, skillfully outmaneuvering two defenders and the Salzburg goalkeeper with a clever dummy before finishing with ease.
This victory marked Sparta’s first Champions League group stage win since defeating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003.