Malmö maintained plenty of possession but Sparta's more direct approach paid dividends in Sweden. There was a slice of luck involved in the opener, with Veljko Birmančević fizzing a ball towards Lukáš Haraslín that bounced in off home defender Jens Stryger.

The hosts were much improved for periods in the second half but Sparta overcame the pressure to regain control. Having contributed to his side's solidity, Matěj Ryneš extended their lead a minute from time with a pinpoint strike that found the bottom corner.

Key stat: Ryneš's goal was his first in European competition.

Second leg, 27/08: Sparta Praha vs Malmö