Pilsen, Czechia: Europe’s Hidden Gem

Even though they were steaming, they didn’t want to leave the field at all. The fans enthusiastically called out the names of the players and coaches, they invited general manager Adolf Šádek, who is the main architect of the modern history of football Pilsen, to the cauldron. They applauded midfielder Lukáš Červ, who was limping all over, and said an emotional goodbye to defensive all-rounder Milan Havel, who played his last match for the club after nine years.

At the same time, the whole of Viktoria could easily be a little sad, because a big victory in the Europa League, which is the second best cup competition after the Champions League, slipped through their fingers.

“Sure, we were close, but there is no reason to blame ourselves. The quality that stood against us was enormous,” described defender Karel Spáčil after the draw with Porto.

Football Victoria is enjoying another great ride through Europe. She has not lost even once in seven rounds. Although she only drew five times in a row, this does not diminish her commendable results.

With 11 points, the conscientious team stepped up to advance to the next stage of the Europa League. Although not directly into the round of 16, which concerns the best eight, the playoffs are also a success. And next week in Basel can be even better.

In the long term, it is admirable how Pilsen is holding up. Since 2011, when it won its first ever league title and qualified for the Champions League through three preliminary rounds, it has been competing with far more powerful and famous clubs. However, even Porto, the current ruler of the Portuguese league, is a complete giant compared to Pilsen.

And now remember that the home team lost their captain Vydra during the cold Thursday evening, who was sent off in the first half because he inadvertently stopped the ball with his hand on the goal line. Porto kicked the penalty on top. What happened then? The penalty kick was deflected off the shoulder of Samu Aghehowa, Viktoria pulled into a fierce defense after the break and almost kept a clean sheet until the end. “I praise. A point is like a victory for us,” said coach Martin Hyský.

Even a 1:1 draw did not spoil the mood at the crowded stadium in Štruncový sady, which has become almost a tradition in the last 15 years. The second-time below-average club, which often yo-yoed between the first and second leagues, became a solid member of the domestic football elite. He is already a six-time champion, last year he played in the round of 16 of the Europa League against Lazio Rome, and the quarter-final of the Conference League against Fiorentina the year before. In addition, he could confidently think of success in both fights.

Also in the current season, he has stepped up. Pilsen suits the style of the European Cups, in which we wait to see what it has in it. He cares about the precise defense, which has conceded only one goal in the last four games, he values ​​every game, he goes full throttle and often to the limit of his strength. After all, like against Porto, who played the power play for the entire half. “We know that we are unpleasant for every opponent. Our style doesn’t smell good to anyone,” Spáčil did not hide.

This philosophy was pumped into the team by coach bard Miroslav Koubek, who this time came to watch the European League as a guest wrapped in a down jacket. And in the role of the new national team coach. At the same time, he started the season as a Pilsen coach. They dismissed him at the end of September, because Viktoria was losing points and especially points in the domestic league.

While Koubek has since been promoted to the national team, Pilsen is not slowing down in Europe. The new coach Hyský only slightly changed the principles and added sharp attacking. The hard work, dedication and mentality of the team remained. During the winter break, the main gunner Durosinmi transferred to the Italian Pisa, the stopper Marković to Slovan Bratislava and the goalkeeper Jedlička to Ostrava.

Now to confirm the cup knowledge next week in Basel, and then from mid-February, hooray for the elimination battles.