Prague – Sparta Prague heads into a crucial Europa Conference League round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar with a mixed bag of news on the injury front. While the Czech side welcomes back goalkeeper Peter Vindahl from a foot injury, they’ll be without several key players for the first leg on Thursday evening. The matchup, featuring Alkmaar midfielder Matěj Šín, is considered evenly poised by bookmakers, highlighting the importance of individual performances and avoiding further setbacks.
Sparta will be without long-term absentees Magnus Kofod Andersen and Elias Cobbaut. Santiago Eneme remains unavailable, and defender Asger Sörensen is still sidelined. Adding to their woes, Patrik Vydra suffered a significant ankle injury in Sunday’s derby match against Slavia Prague, forcing him off the pitch and leaving him requiring assistance to leave the field. His absence represents a considerable loss for Sparta, as he had been a key figure in recent matches.
Jakub Martinec and Joao Grimaldo are as well unavailable for selection, as they were not included in Sparta’s squad for the Conference League competition.
Vindahl Returns, Familiar Territory Awaits
The return of Peter Vindahl is a significant boost for coach Priske. The Danish goalkeeper sustained a foot injury in February during a match against Hradec Králové, awkwardly kicking the goalpost. He has missed the last four matches, with Jakub Surovčík stepping in to fill the void. Vindahl’s previous stint at AZ Alkmaar, where he made 36 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie during the 2021/2022 season and recorded five clean sheets, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tie.
This match holds particular significance for Vindahl, given his history with the Dutch club. He’ll be well-acquainted with the stadium and the playing style of Alkmaar, potentially providing Sparta with a valuable insight.
Alkmaar’s Path to the Round of 16
The first leg is scheduled for Thursday at 6:45 PM local time (18:45 CET). While Sparta Prague advanced directly to the round of 16 from the group stage, AZ Alkmaar had to navigate a play-off round, overcoming Noah from Armenia in a two-legged affair. This difference in route to the knockout stages could impact both teams’ sharpness and fatigue levels.
For Sparta, this tie represents another step towards their ambition of reaching the final in Leipzig. However, they face a challenging path with several hurdles still to overcome.
Recent Struggles for Sparta
Sparta enters the match needing to rebound from recent disappointing results. They suffered a 3-1 defeat in the Prague derby against Slavia, a match marred by a poor second-half performance. They were also eliminated from the MOL Cup in the quarter-finals by Mladá Boleslav, losing on penalties. These setbacks will undoubtedly weigh on the team’s confidence as they prepare for the European challenge.
The team’s captain expressed frustration after the derby loss, highlighting the need for improvement. According to reports, he felt the team’s second-half display was unrecognizable.
Šín’s Journey and Current Form
Matěj Šín, the Czech midfielder currently playing for AZ Alkmaar, has been a rising star in Dutch football. According to Transfermarkt, Šín joined AZ Alkmaar in August 2025 and has a contract that runs until June 2030. He has represented the Czech Republic national team, and his presence adds a familiar face for Sparta’s players.
Šín’s career has been marked by resilience. As detailed in his Wikipedia profile, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June 2022, shortly after his 18th birthday, requiring surgery and a period of recovery. He successfully overcame the illness and returned to professional football, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination.
What’s Next for Sparta Prague?
Following the first leg against AZ Alkmaar, Sparta Prague will travel to the Netherlands for the return leg on March 19th. The outcome of these two matches will determine their fate in the Europa Conference League. Domestically, Sparta will continue their league campaign, aiming to improve their position in the Czech First League standings.
Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments through the club’s official website and social media channels.
