Report from the match FK Teplice – Sparta Prague: statistics, report
Three times in a row, Letenský have left the match with a point, and in all cases it was clearly a loss. The seemingly easy match in the north of Bohemia was significantly complicated by looking at the historical statistics of mutual duels, because the division of points was seen at Na Stínadle five times out of the last eight meetings. Sparta continued to struggle with a numerous marauder, because again it could not rely on the services of Ladislav Krejčí the younger or Jakub Pešek. On the other hand, goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, who is in the Prague team on loan from Manchester United, made his first start in the visitors’ jersey.
The Spartans were more active from the very beginning of the game and after a quarter of an hour of play they took the lead thanks to Jankto’s goal. The national team midfielder curled the ball from the edge of the penalty area exactly towards the far post, and goalkeeper Filip Mucha had no chance.
However, they managed to threaten the home side as well. The escape of Gningue, who was stopped by Kovář for a yellow card, looked dangerous. Matěj Hybš’s shot from the next action narrowly missed the back post.
Sparta was able to react to the offensive efforts of the “Sklař” in the best possible way, with a goal that meant a two-goal lead. Tomáš Čvančara scored with a precise header after a corner kick. Even before halftime, however, Teplice was less than that, when Gningue headed the ball into the net after Daniel Fila’s tackle.
The slower start of the second half by both teams was only revived after an hour by home striker Filip Žák, who tested Kovář’s attention with a sharp attempt from the right side. He promptly kicked the shot and scored the first ever successful save in the Czech top flight. There weren’t too many chances to be seen in the remaining third of the match and above all the guests played much more cautiously than in the first half.
Their passivity was punished in the 83rd minute by Gningue, who, after missing Höjer, placed the ball from the border of the existing territory without catching the right post.
Referee Miroslav Zelinka ended the match as a draw, it was Sparta’s fourth draw in a row. In the next round, on September 17, Baník from Ostrava will welcome, Teplice will meet in Brno on the same day.