Sparta Prague striker Victor Olatunji on Wednesday evening displayed his Champions League prowess once again, netting his second goal of the season in the competition.
Despite his scoring efforts, Sparta Prague suffered another defeat in Europe, falling 2-1 to French side Stade Brestois.
The Czech giants have now lost seven consecutive games to Ligue 1 opposition, raising questions about their struggles on the continental stage.
Olatunji and his teammates watched as Stade Brestois celebrated their Champions League journey with a narrow but crucial victory over AC Sparta Prague.
The match saw both teams battle intensely, but the quality fell short of their ambition.
Sparta’s defence faltered as Peter Vindahl, their goalkeeper, misplayed a backpass but swiftly recovered to deny Brest an early lead.
Shortly afterward, a moment of chaos erupted in Brest’s penalty area, but Jakub Pešek’s cutback only deflected off Olatunji, leaving Sparta without a breakthrough.
Victor Olatunji’s lone strike not enough to save Sparta Prague
As the game progressed, Brest’s Ludovic Ajorque maintained pressure up front, though his attempts failed to find the net.
Just before halftime, Edimilson Fernandes capitalised on a Sparta defensive error, scoring to put the French side ahead.
Despite a second-half surge, Sparta Prague’s efforts were marred by a disastrous own goal, stretching Brest’s lead.
Olatunji reignited hope for Sparta late in the game, converting a clever assist from Lukáš Sadílek.
However, time ran out before they could pull even, handing Brest a triumphant result and keeping them unbeaten in their UCL journey.
Although Olatunji managed a goal, his influence was limited with just 28 touches, the fewest of any outfield player on the pitch.
The Nigerian forward had previously made history, scoring on his Champions League debut against RB Salzburg in September, making him the first Nigerian to score in the 2024/2025 season.
But with Sparta’s recent back-to-back UCL losses and a poor run in other competitions, their path to advancement remains steep.
