John Mercado scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on Tuesday, giving Sparta Praha a 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of the third qualifying round.
The match was played in the Czech Republic. Sparta fell behind after an own goal by Martin Suchomel, then Matej Rynes equalized in the second half.
Mercado, who started the match, had a first-half goal ruled out after a VAR review. In the 69th minute, he connected with a powerful header off a cross from Rynes to beat the Lyon goalkeeper and make it 2-1.
Second leg in France
The tie will be decided on Tuesday, August 11, when Sparta Praha travels to face Olympique Lyonnais in France. Sparta will look to defend its home advantage as it seeks a place in the playoff round, the last stage before the Champions League group phase.
