DIRECT FROM DUBLIN | It’s essential to handle three double matches, i.e. six matches. Sparta can tick off the primary. They managed the start of their journey to the Champions League in Dublin, the place they beat the native Shamrock Rovers 2:0 – and that comparatively calmly. The rematch, which is performed subsequent Tuesday at Letná, needs to be only a formality. The distinction is noticeable.
The followers in inexperienced and white stood up 5 minutes earlier than the tip of the match and started to applaud their manchaft. No, Rovers did not win, however they have been honored nonetheless. “I like soccer on the Islands,” mentioned Spartan coach Lars Friis earlier than the sport.
This second put a stamp on his phrase.
On the identical time, the Irish champions couldn’t consider a greater consequence, they didn’t have the Czech champion. However they went into the conflict with vigor, enthusiasm, dedication. That’s appreciated.
Nevertheless, the Spartans are on a distinct degree. They went into the sport with each final minute reinforcements. Mathias Ross anchored within the heart of the defensive three, Imanol García (his first title on the jersey) within the left wingback place. Qazim Laci stretched the brilliant inexperienced ribbon on his left arm, and that is how Lukáš Sadílek’s phrases on Monday took place: “I will not be the captain.”
The coach’s phrases have been confirmed in the course of the match. The ambiance was typical, a bit completely different from what is common on the continent. The 8,000-seat stadium was full, sixty Spartans additionally arrived. When the primary chant began the cauldron behind the gate, all the primary stand additionally stood up and joined in.
Nevertheless, points that might move within the Czech Republic with a wave of the hand discover a response among the many followers. The second the house staff (solely occurred a few occasions) briefly carried out the mix, there was silence. However when captain Roberto Lopes, Cape Verdean worldwide and native legend, blocked a cross, they erupted with enthusiasm.
Questionnaire
Will Sparta advance to the essential group of the Champions League?
Even the passing from the goalkeeper to the defender, the so-called building of the sport, so common and used, will not be frowned upon within the suburbs of Dublin. If the house staff acquired into it and mixed from the press of the Spartans, the one factor that might be heard was: “Jesus, Jesus.” Translated: You higher watch out, kick the ball behind the protection, we like that!
However that was not stunning. Attacking was a transparent Spartan weapon. This intention was identified proper from the beginning of the match. The attacking trio of Veljko Birmančevič, Jan Kuchta, Indrit Tuci carried out all the best way to the sting of the penalty space, because of which the visitors received the ball virtually to start with of the motion. However, they weren’t capable of get something out of it, as their swap from defensive to ahead was positively not lightning quick. Rovers have at all times been capable of form up. The match was turning right into a form of play-by-play, ready for probabilities.
It was apparent that Sparta would create them, they clearly have high quality at a better degree (maybe solely central midfielder Neil Farrugia stood out). Birmančvič threatened the primary with a hidden shot, the goalkeeper caught it. However they acquired the largest one as a housewarming present. Within the thirtieth minute, goalkeeper Peter Vindahl fumbled a move and the house staff had a transparent probability. Faruggia collected his sluggish move, he had an empty purpose in entrance of him, from which he was some twenty meters away. Nevertheless, he hesitated for a second, so it was sufficient for a sliding Ross to leap into his shot.
Shamrock acquired his revenge on his little punchiness. In addition to occasional mixture makes an attempt. Within the thirty eighth minute, García caught his move, went to the goalkeeper himself, Leon Pöhls stopped his shot together with his left hand, however after one other rebound, Birmančević reached the cease and was uncompromising.
The purpose really decided the following course. Sparta had possession of the ball over seventy %, they went for the consequence they want within the revenge. Already on the break, Friis made two substitutions, quickly extra adjustments got here. Key winger Lukáš Haraslín kicked off the half-time, you would inform that he was stuffed with vitality.
The visitors additionally prevailed for the second time. Within the sixty fifth minute, Kuchta crossed to Tomáš Wiesner, who made his mark in European cups for the primary time in his life.
The winner was clear regardless of the ultimate dwelling alternative. And it must also be about progressing.
Friis after the win: I am not afraid of the preliminary rounds, we’d like extra cooperation. I do not desire a one man present Targets
Friends: 38. Birmancevic, 65. Wiesner
Assemblies
Selfmade: Pöhls – Cleary, Lopes /C/, Honohan – Hoare, Nugent, O’Neill, Farrugia (66. Burns), Clarke (84. Grace) – Watts, Kenny (66. Greene)
Friends: Vindahl – Vitík (46. Sørensen), Ross, Zelený – Wiesner, Laçi /C/ (62. Pavelka), Solbakken, García – Tuci (62. Krasniqi), Kuchta (75. Olatunji), Birmančević (46. Haraslín)
Playing cards
Selfmade: Burns
Friends: Solbakken
Referee
Kooij – Inia, Kücükerbir NED)
Stadium
Tallaght Stadium, Dublin (IRL)
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