Pilsen have fond memories of Karabakh, because six years ago they knocked them out in the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League. After a 0-0 draw at home in Baku, Viktoria then saved the result 1-1 with Michael Krmenčík’s 85th-minute goal and advanced thanks to the no longer valid away goals rule. Czech teams have not lost in their ten cup duels with Azerbaijani rivals.
Karabakh beat Ferencváros in the previous preliminary round. The West Bohemians eliminated Tiraspol in the 3rd preliminary round after two wins 2:1 and earned at least 8.63 million euros (about 211 million crowns) for participation in the playoffs and the certainty of at least the Europa League group, plus several tens of millions of crowns for the ten-year coefficient. For promotion to the Champions League group, Pilsen would receive at least 15.64 million euros (about 383 million crowns) plus additional funding for a ten-year coefficient and television rights.
Rematch is scheduled for next week on Tuesday in the west of Bohemia.
