FCSB vs Sparta Prague: Champions League Third Qualifying Round Preview

Preview the Champions League third qualifying round clash between FCSB and Sparta Prague on August 13, 2024.

FCSB vs Sparta Prague: Champions League Third Qualifying Round Preview
FCSB vs Sparta Prague | score808.biz

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Date: August 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM (UK)
Venue: Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest

In a crucial second-leg encounter of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, FCSB will host Sparta Prague at the Stadionul Steaua in Bucharest. With the first leg having ended in a 1-1 draw in Prague, this match will determine which team progresses to the playoff stage of the competition.

Round 1: Sparta Prague vs FCSB

Match Preview

FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, will be looking to overturn the stalemate from the first leg. Despite taking the lead through Joyskim Dawa, the Romanian champions were held to a draw by a late equalizer from Sparta Prague’s Victor Olatunji. FCSB’s European journey has been marked by occasional brilliance, with a notable 11-1 aggregate victory over Virtus and a narrow win against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the previous rounds. However, their recent performances in Europe have been inconsistent, and they have not reached the Champions League group stage since 2013-14.

In contrast, Sparta Prague have enjoyed a more stable European campaign this season. After breezing past Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round, Lars Friis's side is aiming to return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2005-06. Sparta Prague’s form in domestic competitions has been impressive, maintaining an unbeaten run in their last 20 competitive matches. They come into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 win over Bohemians 1905 and are currently top of the Czech First League.

Team News

FCSB

  • Key Player: Joyskim Dawa, who scored in the first leg but will miss this match due to suspension.
  • Injury Update: The Romanian side is facing a number of injury concerns. Vlad Chiriches is expected to replace Dawa in the defense. Attacker William Baeten and Alexandru Musi are also unavailable, leaving FCSB with limited attacking options.
  • Possible Lineup: Tarnovanu; Cretu, Chiriches, Ngezana, Radunovic; Sut, Lixandru; Stefanescu, Olaru, Phelipe; Popa

Sparta Prague

  • Key Player: Lukas Haraslin, who is expected to feature prominently in the attack.
  • Injury Update: Sparta Prague is also dealing with injuries, including left-back Imanol Garcia de Albeniz and captain Filip Panak. Matej Rynes will replace Albeniz, and Lukas Haraslin is set to return to the starting lineup.
  • Possible Lineup: Vindahl; Vitik, Zeleny, Ross; Preciado, Kairinen, Sadilek, Rynes; Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin

Tactical Analysis

FCSB will need to adapt to their absences and injuries, particularly in defense and attack. Without Dawa, their defensive solidity will be tested, and they will need to find alternative ways to break down Sparta Prague’s organized defense. Sparta Prague, meanwhile, will look to exploit FCSB’s weaknesses and capitalize on their own strong form. The Czech side’s depth and recent domestic performances suggest they are well-positioned to progress.

Prediction

With FCSB facing key player absences and injury concerns, Sparta Prague’s superior form and depth could prove decisive. The Czech side is likely to take advantage of the situation and secure a win to advance to the playoff round.

Our Prediction: FCSB 0-2 Sparta Prague (Sparta Prague win 3-1 on aggregate)

Sparta Prague’s consistency and FCSB’s current challenges suggest that the visitors will progress to the next stage, with the Romanian side struggling to match their opponents on the night.