Pavel Vrba changed the starting line-up for the MOL Cup match quite significantly. Pavel Bucha was introduced in front of the home fans and Chorý with Řezníček were given a chance as well, just like in previous round. In the 34th minute Tomáš Chorý scored for a lead but the visitors pulled back in 2nd half, converted a penalty and turned the result in their favour. Roman Procházka secured an extra time with his late penalty kick goal, but then Jiří Fleišman put Ostrava back in front as his long-range attempt slipped into the net.

Round of 16, Wed 31st Oct 2018, 17:30, Doosan Arena

Plzeň: Kozáčik – Řezník (C) (72. Petržela), Pernica, Hájek, Havel – Ekpai, R. Procházka, Bucha (104. Čermák), Kopic (59. Zeman) – Chorý, Řezníček (77. Hořava).

Ostrava: Budinský – Mšaninov, V. Procházka (C), Šindelář, Fleišman – Fillo, Jánoš (108. Breda), Jirásek, Granečný (81. Stronati) – O. Šašinka (46. J. Šašinka), Diop (59. Holzer).

Goals: 34. Chorý, 90+6. R. Procházka (pen.) – 73. J. Šašinka, 80. Fleišman (pen.), 111. Fleišman, YC: Bucha, Chorý, Ekpai, Zeman – V. Procházka, Mešaninov, 2nd YC=RC: 90+5 V. Procházka, Referees: Zelinka – Podaný, Hock.
Attendance: 3,503.

Jan Kopic having returned after his injury appeared in the opening chance of the match but he struggled with first touch and missed the opportunity to shoot. The following minutes didn't offer any excitment.

First one who got the fans of their seats was Tomáš Chorý in 34th minute who added another goal to his four from the previous round of MOL Cup. Having received a perfect pass by Procházka, Ubong Ekpai found Chorý in the box, he lobbed Budinský and Viktoria took the lead.

For the 2nd half Ondřej Šašinka was substituted by his brother Jakub who quickly caught the pace of the match, Matúš Kozáčik had to perform an excellent save against his first attempt from right side. In the 73rd minute Baník broke away and equalized from a nice passing play. Granečný crossed to Jakub Šašinka and he turned it in this time – 1-1.

The visitors then got another chance to attack into open defense and although they didn't get a shot on goal this time, Milan Petržela fouled Jakub Šašinka in the box and Baník was awarded with a penalty kick. Fleišman converted and pushed Baník closer to the next MOL Cup round.

During remaining 10 minutes Ekpai had some decent opportunities. He missed with his left foot at first, then he accepted a promising ball behind the defense but while turning around he only hit the goalkeeper Budinský. His third attempt to the far post went just inches wide.

With the end of the match approaching it seemed Baník would get the victory. However, in the 5th minute of stoppage time Václav Procházka made a foul in the box, he was sent out for second yellow card and Viktoria could even the scales. Roman Procházka scored and sent this match into extra time.

In the first half both Budinský and Kozáčik were busy, but both resisted. After the sides changed, Martin Zeman had a good effort but he was stopped by Budinský again. Jiří Fleišman then tried his luck from distance and surprised Kozáčik at far post. Plzeň tried hard to equalize but Ostrava managed to defend their 3-2 lead this time.

Pavel Vrba’s Commentary

“The match had a vigour and high quality. The fact that Baník goes on is, of course, bad for us. We have to take a lesson from that with regards to the Saturday match that awaits us,” the coach Pavel Vrba is thinking about the upcoming league match. “Baník is a totally different team this season. It’s a confident team that will be even stronger at their home ground,” the coach knows.