Alongside the Knights, its portfolio also includes Germany's Munich Barons and Berlin Ice Bears, Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic and the Swiss side, Geneva Eagles.

BBC: Dome doom or hockey history?

Meanwhile, in the other group game, Senegalese striker Dame Ndoye's first-half goal proved the difference as FC Copenhagen recorded their opening victory with a 1-0 win over Sparta Prague.

CNN: Werder Bremen go clear in Europa Cup group

And after limping through against lowly Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic in the last round, they sank to 1-0 defeat in Romania to Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their tie.

CNN: Bale hurts Inter again as Chelsea stumble in Romania

Chelsea are now favorites to win the competition but they nearly fell at their first Europa League hurdle against Sparta Prague after a late Eden Hazard goal sealed their place in the next round.

CNN: Europa League holders Atletico Madrid dumped out

Sparta Prague moved off the bottom into second on four points with their first group-stage win since 2003, as the Czech side defeated Romania's CFR Cluj 2-0 with first-half goals from Juraj Kucka (15) and Roman Hubnik (32).

CNN: Benfica put five past weakened Everton

Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven battled back to earn a 2-2 draw away to Sparta Prague in the Czech capital, as substitute Jonathan Reis to equalize twice for the visitors -- the second a penalty in injury-time after Bony Wilfried fouled Danko Lazovic.

CNN: Champions Shakhtar stroll to Europa victory

The draw is not a good one for the Czechs, but Chovanec will at least be able to impart some of the tactical nous he picked up whilst playing for PSV Eindhoven - a brief spell in a playing career spent almost exclusively at Sparta Prague - in their first match, against Holland.

BBC: Jozef Chovanec