The footballers of Pilsen made it to the main stage of the European League. Viktoria beat Heart of Midlothian 1-0 in Edinburgh in the second leg of the final 4 preliminary round to seal the promotion after a home win by the same ratio. Lukáš Červ scored the only goal in today’s match between the third teams of their home competitions from last season in Scotland in the 76th minute.
Viktoria remained unbeaten in the season and did not lose 16 matches in a row in the preliminary rounds of the cups. In this year, the qualification team won by a goal in all four duels. They will appear in the main stage of the Europa League for the fifth time in the club’s history and for the first time since the 2017/18 season.
For participation in the basic part of the competition, the West Bohemians collect a bonus of 4.31 million euros (108 million crowns). The eight opponents will be determined by Friday’s draw, and Prague’s Slavia will also be in the mix.
Instead of the defender Hranáč, who went to Hoffenheim between the opening match and the second leg at the weekend, as expected, Havel, usually a wing back, took the position of stopper. Coach Viktorie Koubek, like before the outdoor duel of the previous 3rd preliminary round against Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, surprised and started one of the youngsters. Three weeks ago, only sixteen-year-old Panoš got a chance, this time five years older Sojka.
Unlike the opponent, Pilsen did not play last weekend, the league match was postponed. Perhaps that’s why Hearts started more actively and at a high pace, but they didn’t have a clear chance for the entire first half. They only threatened for the first time in the 36th minute, when goalkeeper Tvrdoň subtly turned the ball away from the center, but the oncoming Vargas shot over.
Viktoria could have opened the scoring before the break. First, Dweh’s shot from a good position around the penalty spot was blocked by the defense. In the 44th minute, Šulc found Vašulín from the right side in front of the goal, but his attempt at the last moment was just above the returning Taylor. After the subsequent corner, Vašulín again headed wide.
The summer reinforcement of the West Bohemians from Hradec Králové threw away chances even after changing sides. In the 56th minute, the striker’s cross shot from an angle was covered by Gordon, and the 41-year-old goalkeeper then shone even more against Vašulín nine minutes later, when he caught him from close range after another pass from Šulc.
In the 74th minute, they were the closest to the home goal. Taylor’s shot from distance hit Tvrdoná in the face, and the Slovakian goalkeeper then kicked Kingsley’s save. In two minutes, the guests opened the scoring. After the break, Vašulín tapped Červ behind the goalpost and the latter scored with an accurate ground shot to the post. The 23-year-old midfielder scored his first goal in the cups.
Viktoria already expertly managed the victory and did not find a winner even in the ninth competitive match of the season. In addition, she did not collect for the fifth time in a row. On the contrary, Hearts have already been waiting for a victory since mid-May in 11 games in total with the preparation, but they lost at home for the first time after 12 competitive duels.
Team goals
Home: Gordon (C) – Kent, Kingsley, Rowles – Taylor, Boateng, Devlin (82. Forrest), Penrice (67. Oda) – Boyce (72. Dhanda), Vargas (82. Wilson), Grant (67. Spittal).
Guests: Tvrdoň – Kopic, Havel, Dweh, Jemelka, Cadu – Šulc (90+2 Slončík), Červ, Kalvach (C), Sojka (58. Vydra) – Vašulín (87. Hejda).
Cards
Home: Grant, Kent, Taylor
Referee
Kabakov – Margaritov, Valkov (all BUL).
Stadium
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh.
Visit
18164 viewers
