One of the most impressive teams in the ongoing UEFA Europa League season has to be Sparta Praha, a team that hasn't lost a single match in the competition, and will try to keep up with their good form when they visit Villarreal's stadium on Thursday.
The hosts have also cruised past their Europa League meetings this year, and their stylish performance against Bayer Leverkusen was a good proof of that statement. Although coach Marcelino García Toral will have a large number of absentees for this match, the Spanish side seems to have everything it takes to hand Zdeněk Ščasný's side their first defeat of the tournament.
The Valencia-based team will have a couple of goal scoring threats for Sparta to deal with: Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu. The French striker was key for Villarreal's survival against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a brace during the first leg of their Round of 16 clash. As for Soldado, the Spanish footballer has chipped in with a couple of goals and three assists, making himself quite useful for "The Yellow Submarine".
Even though the yellow side will miss key defensive assets such as Jonathan Dos Santos and Mateo Musacchio, the team gets to this match in high spirits considering their recent performances at home.
Villarreal have won all five of their 2015/16 #UEL home games without conceding this season. pic.twitter.com/3tCVsQnX1A
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 6, 2016
For Sparta, this game represents the chance to get back into the European spotlight. Coach Zdeněk Ščasný has created a solid unit that has been tough to beat in the tournament, and their goal differential speaks for itself. Their 3-0 away win against Lazio is a good example of how the team can do under pressure, and with the help of striker David Lafata, their hosts on Thursday could have their hands full.
The team's overall record in the tournament will surely give them a huge ego boost ahead of the game.
DID YOU KNOW?
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 5, 2016
Sparta are unbeaten in 12 #UEL outings (W7 D5) this season! pic.twitter.com/HkPjGfCjg9
These games will be the first ever between the two squads in any competition.
Where to watch Villarreal vs Sparta Praha on TV or online?
-
In Spain: beIN Sports Connect S.P., at 21:05 hrs CEST.
-
In the U.K.: BT Sport Live Streaming at 20:05 hrs BST
-
In the U.S.: Fox Soccer Plus, ESPN3 USA, WATCH ESPN and Fox Soccer 2GO USA at 15:05 hrs EDT.
-
In Canada: TSN GO at 12:05 hrs PDT.
Live elsewhere? Check out the Villarreal vs Sparta Praha match page for detailed info to watch this game in your country.
*Please note that all live games, TV Schedules and online streaming info are subject to change.
Информация о матче, результат и информация о трансляции
Матч завершён. Ниже подробная информация об оригинальной прямой трансляции этой игры.
Прямые теле- и онлайн-трансляции (United States)
Прямые теле- и онлайн-трансляции (United States)
Следите за матчем в пути
Скачайте наши приложения для iOS и Android, чтобы следить за soccer в пути. В них вы найдёте – счёт идущих матчей, расписание, результаты, таблицы, составы, статистику, телепрограмму и многое другое! К сожалению, в приложении нет прямых трансляций.
