Rynes leads first-leg Sparta Prague comeback
Corentin Tolisso was left to rue his missed penalty as Lyon fell to a 2-1 defeat in its Champions League third round qualifying first leg against Sparta Prague.
Matej Rynes starred in the second half for Sparta, scoring the leveller before assisting John Mercado's winner either side of Tolisso's skied penalty at epet ARENA on Tuesday.
The host side thought it took the lead after 20 minutes when Jonatan Braut Brunes managed to find a way past Dominik Greif in the Lyon goal, but the strike was ruled out due to offside in the build-up.
Mercado then squandered a huge chance closer to half-time, inexplicably firing over from six yards out, and Lyon managed to enter the break with a 1-0 lead after Martin Suchomel's attempted tackle on Tolisso sent the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Both sides pushed early on in the second half, with Tolisso forcing a strong save at the near post from Jakub Surovcik before Josimar Alcocer saw a goal disallowed in the 57th minute for offside.
Sparta managed to eventually level just after the hour as Andy Irving's lofted pass into the box was driven low past Greif by Rynes, whose goal triggered an eventful six-minute spell.
At the other end, Lyon debutant Lois Openda won a penalty for the visitos, but Tolisso's spot-kick flew over the crossbar, and Sparta was ahead shortly after as Mercado headed in at the back post from Rynes's cross.
Sparta managed the game well from there on in, restricting Lyon to half-chances while threatening on the counter, and it was able to hold onto the 2-1 lead.
