Tulipa: "The difference in quality was evident — Sparta deservedly won"

Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa commented on his team's defeat in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round against Sparta Prague. The match, held at the Letná Stadium in the Czech capital, ended 4-1 in favor of the hosts. The return leg will take place on August 14 in Yerevan.

"Sparta are a very tough opponent, and we fully understand their level — both as a team and in terms of individual players," said Tulipa at the post-match press conference. "We are growing with each game and starting to develop our own style. But it's fair to say that Sparta are not a Conference League-level team — they belong in the Champions League."

The Armenian side took the lead in the 7th minute thanks to Juan Balanta, but the Czechs not only equalized before the break but also went ahead. According to Tulipa, despite Ararat-Armenia’s active second half, the difference in class was clear.

"The first half was more or less balanced, although we had less possession. In the second half, we had more chances and attacked a lot. But that’s where Sparta’s level showed — they were better at converting their opportunities," said the coach.

Despite the three-goal deficit, Tulipa remains focused on fighting back in the second leg:

"This is a good result for Sparta, and they will come to Yerevan with a comfortable advantage. But we will do everything we can to make our fans and our country proud."