Sparta and Plzeň learn Europa League opponents

Sparta Prague and Viktoria Plzeň have learned their opponents for the league phase of this season’s Europa League following Friday’s draw in Monaco. Sparta will face English sides Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, as well as Olympiacos, Rennes, Salzburg, AZ Alkmaar, Lilleström and Ararat-Armenia. Plzeň’s opponents include Benfica, Bournemouth, Real Sociedad, Union Saint-Gilloise, Ferencváros, Jagiellonia Białystok, Lilleström and Levski Sofia. Both Czech clubs will play four matches at home and four away. The league phase begins on September 16 and runs until January 28, with UEFA expected to publish the detailed schedule on Sunday.