Sparta Prague (Cze) vs FCSB (Rou) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2024-08-05 18:00.
[p]Back-to-back Czech champions Sparta Prague have started the 2024/25 season in imperious fashion, winning all five of their matches while scoring at least twice in each. Two of those successes came against Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Champions League, helping the Maroons into the third round of qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition.[/p]
[p]Sparta, who have been absent from the main draw of the Champions League since way back in 2005/06, were beaten at this stage last year by Copenhagen. The Czechs were also dumped out at the third qualifying round back in 2016/17 by upcoming opponents FCSB – a side that Sparta have failed to beat across four prior H2Hs (D2, L2), all of which came in the Champions League.[/p]
[p]Despite a dismal start to their domestic title defence (D2, L1), FCSB may well be confident of adding to that record having already come through two qualifying rounds to set up this showdown with Sparta. The Romanian champions have seen off Virtus and Maccabi Tel Aviv to get to the third qualifying round – a stage they’ve won three of their last four ties at.[/p]
[p]The Red and Blues, who were crowned European champions back in 1986, won the away leg in both of their previous ties this season, including a sensational 7-1 win over Virtus in early July. European momentum could therefore be on their side as they look to end an 11-year wait for an appearance at the Champions League proper, last making it that far in 2013/14.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Sparta forward Veljko Birmančević has netted on both of his last two Champions League appearances for the Czech outfit, while he was also on target in a 2-0 victory over Dukla Prague on Friday. FCSB’s Darius Olaru could prove a constant threat in this tie having already had a direct hand in six goals in as many games this season (G4, A2).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: All four previous H2Hs between these sides saw goals scored in both halves.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]