PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Sep 19 – Sparta Prague marked their return to the Champions League after almost 19 years with a thumping win over Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
The Czech champions’ last appearance in the competition proper came in December 2005 when they finished last in a group containing Arsenal, Ajax and FC Thun.
After such a long wait Sparta needed just 107 seconds to take the lead at home to Salzburg through Kaan Kairinen’s effort on the rebound.
Victor Olatunji doubled Sparta’s advantage shortly before half-time with a fine volleyed effort.
Qazim Laci rounded off the win in the 58th minute with a simple strike after wrong-footing two defenders and the Salzburg goalkeeper with a dummied shot.
Sparta’s win was their first in the Champions League proper since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003.
