HT 1-1 Stuttgart scored the early goal, but Kairinen answered with a goal of the week contender freekick. This match could be 3-1 to either side (which I guess means it could also be 3-3), but Stuttgart have been on balance more in control of non-goalscoring opportunity moments.
FT Stuttgart 1 - 1 Sparta Missed most of the 2nd half, but in general seems quieter and like Sparta went into a bunker after about 70 minutes. 4 pts after 2 matches isn't bad, and this was one of their point chance matches, but they're yet to really play the heavy hitters in their draw (Manchester City away is next...).
With this new league set up it's hard for me to even guess what the magic number for a top 8, 16, 24 finish would be. The biggest match for Sparta to have a chance at advancing is Brest at home, that's the other match where 3 points seems possible outside of pulling a significant upset.
I had the game on in the background, but paid more attention in the first half. I saw the crossbar and post hit by Sparta, but it does seem the balance heavily tilted towards Stuttgart in the second half. Nevertheless, a valuable point and another coefficient collection. I’m mostly thrown off by the altered schedule as a result of this new format more than anything. Regardless, I’ll likely only be able to watch a handful of games live this season.
Slavia's starting lineup showed they weren't especially serious about this match, I guess because the derby is next weekend. Still if they put in Provod, Zafeiris and Jurasek for the 2nd half they should be able to salvage a point against a fairly underwhelming Ajax.
FT 1-1 Slavia made the changes about 15 minutes too late and despite controlling the last 30 and even having a man advantage for a chunk of it they only managed an equalizer. Not a crushing loss of points, but definitely a one where they could have had a win. I almost hope Sparta beat them anyway next weekend since they swapped out so many players chasing champions league... in early October.
Not as good of week overall, although only Mlada Boleslav lost. Plzen's match was a must win if they want to advance in my opinion so a home draw was a let down after Frankfurt. I already mentioned my thoughts about the Slavia match, but at the end of the day it matters more for final placing than their overall chances to advance.