Pavel Vrba could use the skipper Roman Hubník for the match against Jablonec, on the contrary suspended Chorý was replaced by Jean-David Beauguel as a forward. The winning goal was scored in the 22nd minute by Roman Procházka who added his fifth goal of the season. Erik Pačinda and Jakub Brabec experienced their first minutes at the Doosan Arena.

23rd round, Sat 2nd Mar 2019, 15:00, Doosan Arena

Plzeň: Hruška – Havel, Hubník, Pernica, Limberský – Hrošovský, Procházka – Kayamba (60. Pačinda), Hořava (88. Brabec), Kovařík – Beauguel (54. Bakoš).

Jablonec: Hrubý – Holeš, Hovorka, Břečka (88. Chramosta), Sobol – Kubista – Acosta (86. Pleštil), Trávník (83. Pilík), Považanec, Vatajelu, Doležal.

Goal: 22. Procházka, YC: Procházka, Limberský, Bakoš – Sobol, Považanec, Referees: Marek – Kubr, Hock.
Attendance: 8975.

After a careful beginning on both sides Roman Procházka volleyed the ball from the edge of the box and opened the score of the match. Jablonec had a bigger chance moments later when uncovered Martin Doležal headed in the box. He confirmed his good form and right from his first occassion he threatened the goal, his attempt hit Hruška’s crossbar.

Patrik Hrošovský had an effort on target before the break but his shot from behind the box flew off the goal. Also Procházka and Havel missed the target later so Viktoria left the pitch with one-goal margin.

After the break the visitors were very close to equalizing when Viktoria had some defensive troubles, however, Hruška could quickly react against Trávník. The ball rebounded to Doležal who he could hit the uncovered goal from a sharp angle. Nevertheless, his attempt was blocked by Roman Hubník.

Erik Pačinda was given a chance to play his first minutes on the pitch. He was substituted about 60 minutes of the game but another chance was directed by the visitors – Doležal again – however, he failed in the scoring phase against the defence.

Jakub Brabec also enjoyed his first start at the Doosan Arena. At the end he helped with saving the victory 1-0.

Erik Pačinda’s Commentary

 “The match was very hard. Jablonec were unpleasant opponent, they were consistent in every tackle and were agressive – but we gained all 3 points because we patiently waited for our chance,“ Erik Pačinda is pleased. He played his first match at the Doosan Arena when substituted Joel Kayamba in the 60th minute. “I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere has been great here since the time I started to watch matches here. The fans are our twelfth player, it’s fantastic,“ he praises.