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Lyon beats Sparta 3-0 to reach Champions League playoffs

8/13/2026

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Summary

Lyon Advances

Olympique Lyon overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit by beating Sparta Prague 3-0 to win 4-2 on aggregate and reach the Champions League play-off round.
Sparta defender Adam Sevincky was sent off in the 34th minute, leaving his side with ten men.
Lyon will face Fenerbahçe in the play-off while Sparta secured a Europa League group-stage spot as a qualifying-path team.

Summary

Fenerbahçe Secures Funds

Fenerbahçe will receive €4.3 million for the play-off and a guaranteed €18.62 million if it reaches the group stage.
Coach Ismail Kartal said discipline and organization are key as the club seeks a 2007-08 quarter-final repeat.
Sturm Graz will compete in the UEFA Europa League after losing to Fenerbahçe.
Anderson Talisca scored a penalty in the second leg and has four goals in four European games this season.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Liverpool returned to the Champions League final for the first time since their 1985 loss, facing six-time winners AC Milan in Istanbul. After trailing 3-0 at half-time, they scored three goals in six minutes and won the shoot-out 3-2, securing their fifth European Cup—the first English triumph since Manchester United’s 1999 win.

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Lyon Advances

Olympique Lyon overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit by beating Sparta Prague 3-0 to win 4-2 on aggregate and reach the Champions League play-off round.
Sparta defender Adam Sevincky was sent off in the 34th minute, leaving his side with ten men.
Lyon will face Fenerbahçe in the play-off while Sparta secured a Europa League group-stage spot as a qualifying-path team.

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