Sparta Prague embarks on a mission to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first league of their Champions League second qualifying tie against Rapid Vienna. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Generali Arena, with kickoff at 9:30 pm.
Christoph Knasmullner brace ensured the Austrian side victory on home soil last week, whereas Ladislav Krejci II’s opener against Sparta to keep their hopes alive.
The Allianz Stadion came alive with Sparta Praha failing to represent on home soil following a 2-1 loss in the first league. It started with former Bayern Munich youngster netting two quickfire goals against the Austrian side.
However, Pavel Vrba’s side dusted themselves in their Czech First League campaign following a 3-2 win over Sigma Olomouc last Saturday. The side continues its search for a top-flight title since 2014 following seven years of dominance from Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen.
A decade ago, Sparta Prague used to be usual suspects at Europe’s top table in the group stage. However, the third qualifying round has been a curse after falling out three years in a row between 2014 and 2016.
On the other hand, Rapid Vienna suffered mixed fortunes both continentally and domestically. However, they kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to TSV Hartberg during the weekend. In addition, Ligue 1 Monaco await the winners from the Wednesday clash.
Sparta Prague vs Rapid Vienna Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with Rapid Vienna winning while Sparta Prague without one. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sparta Praha 3-2 SK Sigma Olomouc
- Rapid Wein 2-1 Sparta Praha
- Sparta Praha 2-2 Dynamo Moscow
- Wolfsberger 3-2 Spara Praha
- Sparta Praha 4-1 SV Spittal
Away
- SK Rapid Wein 0-2 TSV Hartberg
- Rapid Wein 2-1 Sparta Praha
- Rapid Wein 6-0 Wiener Viktoria
- SK Rapid Wein 1-0 FC Kobenhavn
- SK Rapid Wein 2-2 SKN St. Polten
Sparta Prague Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns for both domestic and continental showdowns. However, there are some alterations ahead of their third encounter in the space of a week. There is contention over who to start in attack, with Adam Hlozek and Krejci II looking to starts.
SK Rapid Wein Team News
Midfielder Srdjan Grahovac picked up an injury in the first half at the weekend. The 28-year-old is now a confirmed absentee with facial fractures.
Prediction and Odds
We feel the Austrian side might dig deep enough to secure a draw while booking a spot in the next round.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
