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Sparta Prague win first Champions League match in 21 years

Sparta Prague win first Champions League match in 21 years

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.

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