Sparta Prague marked a triumphant return to the Champions League after 19 years with a commanding 3-0 victory against RB Salzburg. The Czech team opened the scoring just 107 seconds into the match, with Kaan Kairinen capitalizing on a rebound from a save by Salzburg's goalkeeper. Victor Olantuji extended the lead to 2-0 just before halftime, and Qazim Laci sealed the win in the 58th minute following a defensive error. This victory not only ended Sparta's 14-match winless streak in the Champions League but also marked their first win in the competition since 2003. The match showcased Sparta's strong performance and resilience, setting a positive tone for their campaign in the newly formatted league phase. Meanwhile, Salzburg faced disappointment as they began their Champions League journey under coach Pep Lijnders with a loss.