Sparta Prague Return to Europa League with 4-1 Win at Ararat-Armenia

Sparta Prague marked their return to the UEFA Europa League group stage with a 4-1 away win over Ararat-Armenia in Yerevan, surviving an uncomfortable opening spell before imposing themselves at the Republic Stadium.

Brian Priske’s side had not featured at this stage of the competition for three years, but made a convincing start to their campaign despite Ararat-Armenia threatening first. The home team struck the post within the opening 10 minutes and found opportunities on the counter, forcing Sparta to settle before taking command of the contest.

Guddal turns the match from dead balls

Tobias Guddal proved the decisive figure before half-time, scoring twice from set-piece deliveries by Adam Karabec. The two goals reflected a clear focus on using Sparta’s defenders as an attacking threat, and gave the visitors control after their uncertain start.

The centre-back’s double was particularly notable given that he had not previously scored as many goals in a single match during his career in Norway.

Priske said Sparta had identified contributions from their defenders as an objective before the season began. “We said before the season that one of our goals was for the defenders to help us in this way,” he said.

Patrik Vydra added Sparta’s fourth after the interval, finishing a move involving substitute Matyas Vojta to complete an emphatic result.

Priske keeps demands high

Although pleased with the outcome, Priske was not fully satisfied with the performance. He pointed to periods of inconsistency and the defensive exposure his team allowed during the early exchanges.

The manager also addressed Jonatan Brunes’ continued wait for a goal. The striker has now gone nine matches without scoring, but Priske urged him not to become preoccupied with ending the run.

“He must not focus so much on goals, but rather on doing the right things on the pitch,” Priske said.

The result was Sparta’s third straight victory in all competitions and gives them further momentum after returning to European group-stage football. Their opening Europa League fixture was played at the same time as Omonia Nicosia’s match with Celta Vigo.

Sparta left for the airport soon after the final whistle as attention quickly turned back to domestic duties. Priske’s squad face Olomouc in the league on Sunday.