# Ararat-Armenia Europa League debut

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ararat-armenia-europa-league-debut
> Updated: 2026-09-15T23:20:03.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Ararat-Armenia made its debut in the UEFA Europa League main phase, facing Sparta Prague at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium. 

In their opening match on September 16, Sparta Prague secured a 4-1 victory over the Armenian side in Yerevan. The Czech club established an early lead through two goals from Tobias Guddal in the 20th and 22nd minutes. Ecuadorian winger John Mercado extended the lead in the 52nd minute with a left-footed strike, marking his first goal in the tournament. Patrik Vydra added a fourth goal for Sparta Prague, while Ararat-Armenia scored a single consolation goal.

For Sparta Prague, the tournament provides a platform for players like Costa Rican Josimar Alcócer to increase visibility in the European market. The club’s upcoming Europa League schedule includes fixtures against AZ Alkmaar, Rennes, and Crystal Palace.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: UEFA Europa League match schedule for September 16, 2026

UEFA Europa League matches scheduled for September 16, 2026, include FC Ararat Armenia vs. Sparta Prague, Omonia vs. Celta Vigo, and Milan vs. Benfica.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uefa-europa-league-match-schedule-for-september-16-2026

### 2026-09-13: Ararat-Armenia to host Sparta Prague in historic Europa League debut

Ararat-Armenia will make history as the first Armenian club to reach the Europa League main phase, hosting Sparta Prague in Yerevan this Wednesday.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armenia-pm-pashinyan-attends-tour-of-armenia-awards

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Cite as: Ararat-Armenia Europa League debut. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ararat-armenia-europa-league-debut