Viktorians were hugely motivated to get their revenge on Ostrava for the previous loss in MOL Cup. The coach Pavel Vrba significantly changed the starting line-up with six different names. Jakub Řezníček replaced injured Michael Krmenčík at number nine position.

14th round, Sat 3rd Nov 2018, 15:00, City stadium in Ostrava–Vítkovice

Ostrava: Laštůvka – Mešaninov (86. Pazdera), Šindelář, Stronati, Fleišman – Fillo, Jánoš (83. O. Šašinka), Jirásek, Holzer – Hrubý (C), J. Šašinka.

Plzeň: Hruška – Řezník, Hejda, Hubník (C), Limberský – Procházka, Hrošovský – Ekpai (68. Havel), Čermák, Kopic (75. Petržela) – Řezníček (86. Chorý).

Goals: 45. Kopic, YC: J. Šašinka, Stronati – Limberský, Referees: Proske – Pospíšil, Flimmel.
Attendance: 12,919.

Plzeň opened the match by David Limberský’s cross towards Ubong Ekpai who headed it only to the defenders. Plzeň then took a free-kick and Laštůvka had to pull off a save against Aleš Čermák’s attempt from right side as it turned right under the crossbar.

24-years-old midfielder appeared in the next Viktoria’s chance in the 28th minute when he turned around Patrizio Stronati but he was stopped by Laštůvka. Baník’s goalkeeper couldn't keep the ball in his hands and Řezník was offered with a great opportunity, but couldn't get it in net from sharp angle. Aleš Hruška was busy for the first time about 30 minutes into the game but he had no bigger problems with Jirásek’s long-distance attempt.

Baník produced the biggest chance of the match 5 minutes before the end of the first half. Jakub Šašinka sent the ball to the box from the left side where Martin Šindelář had an effort on goal. The rebounded shot of the home defender was kept it by Hruška who was already lying on the ground. Viktorians could celebrate right before half time. Jan Kopic fired a shot from about 25 metres and Laštůvka was helpless as it curled just in at the far post.

After the break the red-and-blue team survived a critical moment. After long discussions and examining video the referee Zbyněk Proske awarded Ostrava with a penalty kick. They were given a great chance to equalize but Jiří Fleišman’s intention was well read by Hruška who made a crucial save!

Viktoria had a promising chance to increase their lead to two goals immediately after that. With a nice passing combination between Aleš Čermák and Jan Kopic the ball bounced to Radim Řezník who failed in heading it into an empty goal.

The second half offered an up-and-down game. Baník was very close to equalizing later. A left-side centre was received by Martin Fillo who placed the ball to the back upright, nevertheless, Hruška briskly moved back and performed amazing save on the goal line!

Both teams were extremely productive. In the 74th minutes Jakub Šašinka robbed Plzeň’s pass and rushed alone toward Aleš Hruška. Fortunately Lukáš Hejda returned immediately to force a shot from outside the box and mainly – wide of the net.

3 minutes later Viktorians produced a pure goal opportunity. Milan Petržela crossed the ball from the left side and his low pass found Jakub Řezníček in a clear goal-scoring position, unfortunately, he couldn't hit the ball properly this time.

Nonetheless, Viktorians got their revenge. They beat Ostrava by the closest margin and extended the streak, in which Baník couldn’t beat Plzeň in 16 consecutive league matches.

Jan Kopic’s Commentary

“I was telling myself I need to score a goal, I haven’t played for a long time now so I couldn’t wish any better start. I’m happy,“ he said. “My intention was to run through the middle because I saw the space opened there. My teammates forced the defence to move deeper so I felt quite clear to shoot,“ he describes his goal.