Sports
Sparta Prague Crush Red Bull Salzburg in Triumphant Champions League Return
Sparta Prague made a stunning return to the Champions League after a nearly 19-year absence, dominating Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg with a 3-0 victory. The Czech champions last appeared in the competition in December 2005, finishing last in a group with Arsenal, Ajax, and FC Thun.
Sparta wasted no time, taking the lead just 107 seconds into the match as Kaan Kairinen pounced on a rebound to find the net. Victor Olatunji doubled their advantage with a brilliant volley shortly before the break, putting the home side firmly in control.
Qazim Laci sealed the win in the 58th minute, executing a clever dummy to wrong-foot two defenders and the Salzburg goalkeeper before slotting in Sparta’s third goal. This triumph marks Sparta’s first Champions League proper win since their 1-0 victory over Lazio in December 2003.