Sparta Prague vs. Copenhagen: Preview and betting tips

Prague Sparta is facing one of the most important games of the season, maybe of the last few years. In the rematch of the Champions League 3rd round, they will fight with Copenhagen for the play-offs.

The Champions League is a huge Spartan dream. It has been 18 years since an elite competition has been staged at Letná, and now it is the closest it has been in years. In the first match of the third preliminary round they drew 0:0 in Copenhagen, and in the home rematch they will fight to qualify for the fourth preliminary round.

It is difficult to judge who is the bigger favourite to qualify based on the first match. Sparta were very lucky, as Copenhagen scored twice on the crossbar and Peter Vindahl made some great saves, but the summer team also had their chances.

Lukáš Haraslín missed the biggest one in the 11th minute, when he escaped alone on goal, but he didn’t even finish and Copenhagen’s stoppers punched the ball out from behind.

However, coach Brian Priske himself knew that Sparta played with too much respect and for the rematch he called for the offensive players to have more courage and to tackle offensive situations better.

That should be helped by a sold-out Letná, which will propel the players to success. Just like two years ago with Rapid Vienna, when Sparta suffered a 1:2 defeat in the second round of the Champions League, but won 2:0 at home and advanced to the third round.

Sparta have a huge opportunity in front of them that may not be repeated. If it knocks out Copenhagen, it will face Raków Czenstochowa in the fourth round, a very acceptable opponent for the last Champions League preliminary round.

That’s why they will put everything into the match, as indicated by the weekend’s game against Jablonec, when Priske spared almost all the mainstays of the starting line-up. Yes, Copenhagen were the better team at home and had a lot of pressure especially towards the end, but Sparta have a unique opportunity and are stronger in front of their home stadium than away. That’s why I would believe in their progress.

Source: UEFA