Die Werkself started the match occupying a coveted spot in the top eight and looked imperious from the start as they aimed to strengthen that position.
They had to be patient, though, as Granit Xhaka fired off-target, and Martin Vitik hacked the ball away after Peter Vindahl had flapped at a corner and Patrik Schick headed wide.
Florian Wirtz then sent one attempt from range wide and saw another effort impressively saved by Vindahl, either side of Tomas Wiesner sending two headers wide at the other end.
Sparta continued to show an iron will despite not having any hope of reaching the play-offs, as typified by Jaroslav Zeleny blocking Edmond Tapsoba’s strike with his head - even if Georgi Kabakov initially gave a penalty for handball.
Die Werkself still made a breakthrough shortly after when Jeremie Frimpong cut the ball back to Wirtz and Leverkusen’s talisman nonchalantly picked out the bottom corner.
With Xabi Alonso’s side continuing to roam forward, Nathan Tella sent two efforts wide and another straight at Vindahl before blocking a venomous Kaan Kairinen strike.
Vindahl then made his second eye-catching stop of the game to tip Alex Grimaldo’s swerving strike wide moments before the break.
The visitors showed intent after the restart, as Olatunji broke forward twice in quick succession but was denied by Matej Kovar and then sent another attempt looping wide. It didn’t take long for Leverkusen to begin applying pressure again with Grimaldo letting another shot from range.
Vindahl then got down to a Grimaldo free-kick but was deemed helpless as the ball bounced towards Tella, who struck instinctively to score his first-ever UCL goal.
Leverkusen continued to create problems, with Wirtz and Grimaldo acting as the main architects, and Aleix García had a free-kick saved moments after coming on.
Die Werkself also limited their visitors, ensuring there was no doubt as they recovered from two winless competitive matches to secure all three points and sixth position in the UCL table, which means they go straight through to the Round of 16. In contrast, Sparta Prague’s sixth consecutive European defeat leaves them 31st.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)