(Football news) The Czech team trailed ahead of the second leg after giving up a goal in stoppage time last week, even if they felt they had salvaged a draw in Turkey.

After a thrilling first leg against Galatasaray, Sparta Prague, who was just pipped by Rangers to the top spot in their Europa League group, now have a difficult task ahead of them to remain in the competition.

The Czech team was destroyed by a stoppage-time winner, even though it appeared they had earned a crucial draw. Gala took the lead through Kerem Demirbay, but early in the second half, Angelo Preciado tied the score. At the hour mark, Dries Mertens gave the Turkish team their lead back, but Victor Nelsson’s red card turned the tide in Sparta’s favor. 

Brian Priske’s team made fast gains, with Jan Kuchta scoring his second goal. But Matej Rynes’s expulsion soon offset their numerical advantage.

Deep into stoppage time, Icardi delivered a critical blow to give Gala the advantage when it looked like the game would end in a tie.

On the home front, Sparta defeated Liberec 2-1 to hold onto their advantage atop the Czech First League. Now that they need to improve at home in order to advance, they return their attention to Europe. 

Galatasaray, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their winning streak to 11 games in all competitions. Okan Buruk’s team defeated Ankaragucu 3-0 in a comfortable match to maintain their top spot in the Turkish Super Lig. 

Nevertheless, the Lions will be wary of the threat Sparta poses, particularly given their inconsistent road performance in Europe—they have lost two of their last three games—and their propensity to both score and concede in most of their European matches this season.

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