Two of Europe’s most consistent performers meet in a highly anticipated Round of 16 tie in the Champions Hockey League, as EV Zug welcome Sparta Prague to Switzerland. Both sides showed plenty of quality during the Regular Season, combining high-end skill with experience - a mix that promises an even battle when the puck drops in Zug.

For Zug, the campaign brought moments of both control and volatility, finishing with a 3-3 record and a relatively even goal difference. The Swiss side opened strong, edging Luleå Hockey in overtime and beating Grenoble and the Belfast Giants, but stumbled with defeats to ERC Ingolstadt and Lukko Rauma before a narrow loss to Kometa Brno closed their run in the Regular Season. Despite moments of inconsistency, their offensive capability remains evident - 20 goals across six games underline the threat they pose when transitions click.

The scoring has been shared across their line-up, led by Dominik Kubalík, Tomáš Tatar, Andreas Wingerli and Grégory Hofmann who each contributed six points. Thus Zug’s forward group stands among the deepest in the competition. On defence, Tobias Geisser and Raphael Díaz provided stability and puck-moving precision.

Sparta, meanwhile, arrive in Switzerland as one of the most in-form teams in the CHL. The Czech side finished fourth with five wins from six, ending their Regular Season with a convincing 4-0 victory at home to Grenoble. Balanced and disciplined, Sparta have combined structure at the back with dangerous finishing up front, conceding just nine goals in six games - one of the best defensive records in the tournament.

Michal Řepík, Tomáš Hyka, and Mārtiņš Dzierkals have led the offensive charge, while Jakub Kovář’s outstanding goaltending (95.8 SVS%, 0.65 GAA) has given them a backbone few teams can match. With their powerplay clicking at 14.8% and a penalty kill near 82%, Sparta have been efficient in key situations, a strength they’ll look to carry into Wednesday’s opener, yet will look to score more on man-advantages.

With both teams boasting balanced rosters and proven international pedigree, this tie is set to be among the most competitive of the Round of 16. Sparta’s structure will be tested by Zug’s pace and home advantage, making for a compelling first chapter before the Return Game in Prague.