line-ups
SK Slavia Praha
J. Markovič – Holeš (C) (75. Moses), Vlček, Chaloupek – Isife (63. Provod), Sadílek, Nowak, D. Jurásek (88. Schranz) – Šturm (75. Kačor), Ayaosi – Chorý (90+15. Konečný).
FC Viktoria Plzeň
Wiegele – Prebsl, Dweh, Pališčák – A. Gabriel (87. K. Spáčil), Červ, Hrošovský (C), Doski – Memić (70. Lawal), Kabongo (70. Adu, 90+4. Pirgić), Sojka (75. Ladra).
statistics
Goals: 74. Chaloupek, 90+11. Chorý (pen.) – 64. Memić (Hrošovský)
Yellow cards: 55. Chaloupek (SLA) – 8. Memić (PLZ), 56. Dweh (PLZ), 77. A. Gabriel (PLZ)
Referees: Volek – Hájek, Matoušek.
Shots on goal: 5:4
Shots off target: 7:6
Corners: 9:4
Offside: 0:2
Fouls: 13:9
Attendance: 18556
Viktoria took the lead in the second half through Amar Memić. However, Slavia equalised and secured a 2–1 victory with a retaken penalty in stoppage time.
The match of the round was kicked off by the visitors from Plzeň. Viktoria looked to apply pressure from the start, sending several long throw-ins into Slavia’s penalty area, but none of them seriously threatened the home side’s goal. Slavia then began to turn up the pressure as well, pinning Plzeň inside their own half between the 6th and 12th minutes, although without creating a clear-cut opportunity. In the 16th minute, the hosts took a long throw-in which fell to Vlček, but Pališčák managed to clear the ball to safety. The game gradually became more physical. Doski collided with Sadílek in a challenge and Nowak immediately rushed over to defend his teammate. The referee settled the situation with a verbal warning and play continued.
In the 23rd minute, Ayaosi attempted to curl the ball past Wiegele but sent his effort over the crossbar. Five minutes later, the Plzeň goalkeeper was called into action to deny Jurásek. Chorý headed towards goal in the 30th minute, but his attempt lacked the power to seriously trouble Wiegele. Six minutes later, Sojka tried his luck from distance but missed the target, leaving Markovič with little to do. That changed in the 42nd minute, when Memić advanced down the left, took on four opponents and produced a fine effort towards the far post. Markovič was forced into a full-stretch save and tipped the ball behind for a corner.
Nothing of note happened before the end of the first half. The hosts created more opportunities, but the opening goal was still yet to arrive.
An unfortunate incident occurred right at the start of the second half. Prebsl went into a challenge, fell over one of the home players and remained on the ground. Fortunately, he received prompt treatment and was able to walk off the pitch unaided. Viktoria threatened in the 53rd minute. Gabriel first delivered a cross into the penalty area, forcing Markovič to punch the ball clear. Hrošovský then got a shot away, which Červ deflected wide. Slavia created an opportunity a minute later. Nowak tried his luck from just outside the penalty area, but failed to make proper contact and sent the ball wide. Plzeň were the first to strike. In the 64th minute, Hrošovský won possession and sent Memić through on goal. The Plzeň midfielder made no mistake and put Viktoria ahead. A mix-up between Chorý and Chaloupek then allowed the latter to get a shot away, and his slow effort rolled into the net to bring Slavia level. Lawal subsequently found himself through on goal and beat Markovič, but the offside flag was raised. Adu then won the ball and attempted to lob the home goalkeeper, but Markovič tipped his effort behind for a corner.
Prince Adu had to be carried off on a stretcher in stoppage time and was replaced by Pirgić. Shortly afterwards, Doski made a dangerous challenge and the referee went to the monitor. After reviewing the incident, he awarded a penalty. Chorý stepped up but failed to convert it. However, following another review, the penalty had to be retaken. Chorý was given a second opportunity and made no mistake this time. Plzeň continued to push for an equaliser, but were unable to find one and left Eden empty-handed.
Highlights
Photogallery
