My initial thoughts were that the subs should have been made a little earlier. Of course, they contributed after Lille scored but it felt that Slavia were already losing their edge prior to that equalizer.
They remind me a bit of the 19/20 team in that every player can play a role in neutralizing a big opponent, but only Zafeiris (like Stanciu before him) really has the creative quality at this level. They're a pot 1 team in Europa League so they should be to make at least the R16 if they keep playing at this level. Still it would have been amazing to have 2 teams bring in Champions League money.
The problem with how Slavia are currently built is that their two best players that can most handle the European level are both central midfielders who can only influence the attacking end product so much. Then I’d consider Ogbu and maybe Provod as others that can make their mark on this level somewhat regularly. Sparta have less gaps in this regard across their starting lineup. The motivation factor with Slavia has been mentioned here before and certainly played a role yesterday. Trpisovsky historically does very well at preparing his teams to rise to the occasion and elevate their game. However, other than a change in formation, it still feels like he hasn’t adjusted his style and philosophy enough. A commendable performance, but it’s still disappointing to fall short in the same fashion as five years ago. Then again, that’s the difference between playing Malmo or Lille at this stage. I do think Slavia should do well in the Europa League and will at least offset the (likely) early Champions League exit by Sparta.
This new format is hard to wrap my head around, but most of Pot 3 are teams that Sparta would be near even odds for Sparta. Pot 2 they would be really hoping for Donetsk and Brugge. Pot 4 its about avoiding the big clubs that don't have many UEFA points like Aston Villa. Pot 1 hope for a miracle at home, all elite teams.
Computerizing the Champions League draw seems to have done nothing to make this whole thing less absurd...
It’s a unique concept for sure and what stood out to me is the discontinuing of relegation from Champions > Europa > Conference in the same season. Makes sense to keep each competition separate from the other and I’m surprised that rule lasted as long as it did (even if it helped Czech clubs stay afloat in Europe). I thought the draw was tomorrow so seeing that update confused me at first.
Schick and Kovar vs Sparta is great, too bad Hlozek is now gone and it wasn’t scheduled in Prague. This will be rough, but great exposure for the players.
Pot 3 Away: Feyenoord Home: Salzburg Could be better Pot 4 Home: Stade Brestois Away: VFB Stuttgart Honestly aside from Slovan Bratislava that was about as good as Pot 4 got.
Wow, a reunion with Priske and Hancko too? This is about as attractive a draw as they could’ve wished for. I love the diversity of opponents across Europe.
With this opposition, Sparta will absolutely cash in on their players if they perform well. They could probably net close to €50 million if they decide to sell away this season.
Mlada Boleslav have taken the lead both in this match and the aggregate early in 2nd half. Long way to go, but 4 teams in the league phase isn't out of the question.
They got fairly fortuitous draws throughout which helped, Ostrava would have strolled through their opponents and really should've gotten past Copenhagen. Still, you play who your drawn against and they one that match quite convincingly.