The Daily Star Ireland
At the midpoint of the current Champions League group stage, Sparta Prague’s chances of progressing are almost nonexistent. The Czech side is ranked 26th, just one point behind the 24th place that would secure a spot in the play-offs. After a strong start with a win and a draw in their first two matches, they have suffered heavy defeats, including a 5-0 loss to Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat to Brest.
On the domestic front, the reigning Czech champions are struggling, sitting in 4th place in the league. They’ve recorded two losses and a draw in their last three matches, and will look to get back on track with a home game against lowly Teplice on Saturday.
Atlético Madrid, who reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition, are in 23rd place, just above Sparta Prague. The Spanish club endured a tough start, losing 4-0 to Benfica and 3-1 at home to Lille. However, they managed a dramatic 1-2 victory against PSG, which has kept their hopes alive in the competition.
Atlético Madrid’s focus is now on continuing their strong domestic form, where they are in 3rd place, just one point behind Real Madrid and seven behind Barcelona, who lead La Liga. The team will face Alavés on Saturday, looking to extend their four-match winning streak in all competitions.
Sparta Prague’s injury list is extensive. Key defenders Vitik and Sörensen, left-back Zeleny, midfielder Preciado, forward Birmancevic (who has scored six goals in all competitions), winger Haraslin, and Kosovar international Krasniqi are all sidelined. Garcia de Albeniz, the Spanish full-back, is also absent from the squad for the Champions League. Olatunji, the team’s most prolific scorer in Europe, will be crucial for their attack, having scored on both the first and fourth matchdays.
Atlético Madrid has their own injury concerns, with defender Azpilicueta and versatile player Llorente returning to fitness. Lemar and Le Normand joined the injury list after the last match, and their availability remains uncertain. However, key players such as Griezmann, who has contributed one goal and two assists in the Champions League, Alvarez (one goal), De Paul in midfield, and goalkeeper Oblak remain integral to their success. Gimenez, who missed previous matches due to suspension, will be back in the starting lineup.
Prediction
Sparta Prague have struggled at home, conceding in each of their last seven matches and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five home games. They have scored in every home match this season, but their overall form has been poor, with 11 losses in their last 15 league games.
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid, despite some inconsistencies, have won eight of their last 11 Champions League fixtures. Given their superior form, Atlético Madrid are expected to take control of this match.
Prediction: Sparta Prague 0 – 2 Atlético Madrid.
