Football: Champions Sparta lose to newcomers Hradec Králové 2:1

Defending champions Sparta Prague lost to newcomers Hradec Králové in the first round of the top Czech football division on Saturday. Visitors Sparta conceded an early goal and only managed to equalize in the 55th minute. The hosts Hradec Králové were defending throughout much of the second half but surprisingly took a 2:1 with half an hour to go. The goal upset the title holders who were unable to come back; the game was Sparta’s first defeat in 15 months, and only third season opening loss in 17 years.