Sparta Praha Women defeated Servette FCCF 3-2 in an exhilarating UEFA Women’s Champions League third qualifying round first leg at Stadion Letná.
Sparta Praha Edge Servette in Five-Goal UWCL Thriller at Stadion Letná
AC Sparta Praha Women secured a crucial first-leg advantage in the UEFA Women’s Champions League third qualifying round, edging Swiss champions Servette FCCF 3-2 in an entertaining clash at Stadion Letná. In a match filled with end-to-end action, clinical finishing from Franny Cerná, Radka Rancová, and Eva Bartonová propelled the Czech side to a hard-fought victory ahead of next week’s return leg in Geneva. See also: Tatiana Pinto Brace Powers Juventus Women Past St. Pölten 3-0
Electrifying Start and Quick Exchange of Goals
Backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, Sparta Praha flew out of the blocks, pressing high up the pitch and dominating early territory. The hosts were rewarded in the 9th minute when Franny Cerná latched onto a sharp through-ball, slipped past a defender, and slotted a low finish into the bottom corner.
However, Servette responded with determination. In the 15th minute, Belarusian forward Viktoryia Sobal pounced on a defensive clearance inside the box and hammered a first-time strike into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Stoppage-Time Strike Restores Sparta’s Cushion
The remainder of the first half turned into a fierce tactical battle in midfield, with both sides trading half-chances. Just when it looked like the teams would head into the break level, Sparta struck in stoppage time. In the 45+2nd minute, Radka Rancová showed supreme composure inside a crowded penalty area, turning sharply to poke the ball past the goalkeeper and give the hosts a 2-1 halftime lead.
Second-Half Drama and Hernández Fightback
Sparta Praha maintained their attacking momentum after the interval. In the 68th minute, veteran defender Eva Bartocová stepped up to deliver a moment of quality, finding the net with a curling effort to make it 3-1.
Refusing to surrender, Servette pushed forward to keep the tie alive. In the 73rd minute, Spanish attacker Paloma Lázaro Hernández reduced the deficit with a tidy close-range finish, pulling it back to 3-2. The Swiss visitors pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Sparta’s backline held firm to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.