Sparta Prague's potential opponents in the Conference League Round of 16 are Celje and Alkmaar, with Alkmaar possessing a significantly more expensive squad.
In the knockout stage of the Conference League, Sparta Prague will face either Slovenia's Celje or the Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. Alkmaar's squad is valued at twice that of Sparta, indicating a financial advantage. Both teams advanced to the Round of 16 after recent successes in their respective matchups, with Celje defeating Kosovo's Drita 3-2 and Alkmaar overturning a first-leg loss to defeat Noah 4-0 in the return match.
The exact opponent for Sparta will be determined by a draw scheduled for Friday, which will also decide the opponent for Sigma Olomouc as they prepare to play against either AEK Larnaka or Mainz. Celje's strong performance was highlighted by player Svit Sešlar, who scored and assisted, contributing significantly to their progress. The match saw Celje dominate most aspects, particularly as they solidified their lead just before halftime with a penalty conversion by Sešlar.
Additionally, the article notes the elimination of Omonia Nicosia from the competition, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament, where many strong teams are vying for advancement. The upcoming draw will be pivotal for all teams involved, as they strategize for the next stage of this European football competition.
