line-ups

FC Viktoria Plzeň

Wiegele – Adam Kadlec (69. Dweh), Krčík, Jemelka, Doski – Červ (82. Valenta), Hrošovský – Memić (82. Adu), Ladra, Višinský (62. Souaré) – M. Vydra (C) (62. Lawal).

AC Sparta Praha

Surovčík – Mannsverk, Ševínský, Zelený – Sonne (74. Kadeřábek), Irving (46. Martinec), Kairinen, Ryneš – Mercado (87. Grimaldo), Rrahmani (46. Vojta), Haraslín (C) (74. Kuol).

statistics

Yellow cards: 86. Martin Hyský (PLZ), 88. Adu (PLZ) – 28. Irving (SPA), 60. Brian Priske (SPA), 80. Ryneš (SPA), 90. Mannsverk (SPA), 90+5. Zelený (SPA)

Referees: Volek – Paták, Antoníček.

Shots on goal: 7:5

Shots off target: 7:5

Corners: 10:6

Offside: 0:0

Fouls: 15:13

Attendance: 11606

The entertaining clash delivered a battle for every inch, several clear-cut chances and even a missed penalty. However, the fans at Doosan Arena did not see a goal, and both sides walked away from the big match with a point after a goalless draw.

The opening stages of the big match belonged to the home side. The rain-soaked encounter began cautiously, with both teams adjusting to the ball and the pitch. The first real danger came after a move by Haraslín down the left, but Kadlec deflected his effort behind for a corner. Wiegele then produced a fine save. After a defensive intervention by Jemelka, the Sparta forward got another shot away, but the Plzeň goalkeeper reacted superbly. In the 14th minute, Doski collected a pass from Višinský, cut inside and fired from outside the box, his strike taking a deflection and going out for a corner. The hosts failed to capitalise from the set piece. Nine minutes later, Červ tested Surovčík with a beautiful effort heading towards the top corner, but the Sparta keeper pushed it away for another corner. Two minutes later, Jemelka won the ball and laid it off to Višinský, whose low shot was once again saved by Surovčík. In the 35th minute, Vydra found himself in a great position but could not get his shot away cleanly and instead squared the ball to Červ — yet again, the visiting goalkeeper kept his side in the game. Before the break, Tomáš Ladra threatened with several attempts, but the Plzeň defence dealt with every situation. The teams went into the dressing rooms level at 0–0.

The second half began with Plzeň on the front foot. After a corner, Ladra’s shot struck a defender’s hand and, following a brief delay, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. However, Vydra failed to convert from twelve yards. In the 58th minute, the hosts threatened again. Vydra started the move and found Hrošovský, who laid the ball back for Červ, but his effort narrowly missed the target. Four minutes later, Wiegele came to his team’s rescue with an outstanding goal-line save. A series of opposition corners followed, yet Viktoria’s defence stood firm and prevented any clear-cut chances. The second half was largely a battle for every inch of the pitch, with neither side able to create a decisive opportunity. Deep into stoppage time, Viktoria had two big chances, but Sparta withstood the late pressure. The match therefore ended without goals and without a winner.

Highlights

Photogallery