When you open the Spärkel top lid for the first time, the stopper may be stuck in the funnel. It will look like the image on the right. This is easily corrected. Grab the stopper and push it on the holder on the top lid so it looks like the image on the left.
You're ready to operate normally. The stopper should remain in its proper place.
The reason this can happen is that in a very warm shipping container the silicone stopper can expand slightly and get sticky. When you open the lid for the first time, it is 'stuck' to the top funnel. It is easily put back in place, where it should remain.