The draw for the main round of the Champions League 2024/25 has set up some thrilling matchups for Sparta Prague. The standout fixture will be against Feyenoord Rotterdam, where Danish coach Brian Priske will face his former team, whom he led to a national double last season.
Yesterday’s draw revealed that Sparta Prague will play Feyenoord Rotterdam, among other teams, away from home. Brian Priske, who joined Feyenoord this season after winning the double with Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic last season, will meet his former team. Additionally, Sparta Prague will encounter Bayer Leverkusen, where former Prague players Matěj Kovář and Patrik Schick are currently active. Other away games include fixtures against Manchester City and Stuttgart. At their home ground, Letná Stadium, the Czech champions will welcome Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Brest. The full fixture list will be published by UEFA on Saturday.
“It’s a tough draw. No matter who we play, it will be difficult. It’s the Champions League, the best competition in the world with the best players. For me, Manchester City is maybe the best team in the world. It will be tough, but on the other hand, it will be a good experience,” said Sparta coach Lars Friis in an interview with Nova Sport.
Friis, who was Priske’s assistant at Sparta, helped lead the team to two consecutive titles and a national cup last season. After Priske’s departure to the Netherlands, Friis took over the team.
This season marks Sparta Prague’s return to the elite level of European competition for the first time since 2005. They advanced through three preliminary rounds this year, defeating Shamrock Rovers from Ireland, FCSB from Romania, and Malmö. For qualifying, the Prague team will receive €18.62 million (over 466 million crowns).
Sparta Prague’s Champions League Opponents for 2024/25:
Inter Milan (H)
Manchester City (A)
Atlético Madrid (H)
Bayer Leverkusen (A)
Red Bull Salzburg (H)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (A)
Brest (H)
Stuttgart (A)
