Loss to Inter put out European hopes

Slavia started with 4-2-3-1 tactical with Peter Olayinka as lone striker. Tomáš souček and Nicolae Stanciu both started in midfield in compare to Olomouc league game, goalkeeper Ondřej Kolář and midfielder Lukáš Masopust – whose start had been doubtful due to minor injuries – also appeared in starting 11.

Slavia entered the game better and created two chances in opening ten minutes. Souček managed to win the ball on inter half five minutes into the game but fired wide from outside the box, Hušbauer missed the right post by centimetres following Ševčík’s pass a minute later.

Martínez created first Inter chance after 11 minutes but the Argentinian striker missed this time.

But it was Lautaro Martínez who managed to open the score 19 minutes into the game. Lukaku got long ball on the right side, two Slavia defenders couldn’t seize the ball from him, Lukaku sent a swift pass to the box and Martínez fired the ball through Kolář. 0-1.

Slavia continued to create chances. Frydrych headed the ball wide in a good position in 26th minute, Handanovič then handled Hušbauer’s effort.

Big twist than followed in 35th minute. Frydrych lost the ball to Martínez who passed to Lukaku in front of an open net and Belgian striker added second for Inter. But after VAR check Lukaku’s goal was disallowed due to previous foul on Olayinka inside Inter penalty area. Slavia was awarded penalty and captain Tomáš Souček fired the into the middle of the goal. 1-1 after 37 minutes.

Slavia had the possession and set the pace of the game for most of the opening half but Inter started the second one better and did not allow the red-whites into almost any chances.

Bigger opportunities came after 60 minutes. First Masopust fired from outside the box and his effort had to be punched away from under the crossbar by Handanovič, a minute later Candreva passed the ball to Lukaku and his header hit the woodwork behind Kolář.

In 76th minute the crossbar saved Slavia for the second time when Brozović hit the ball with beautiful volley from the brink of the box.

But Slavia could take lead too. After 73 minutes Lukáš Masopust captured back-pass by one of the away players and went alone on Handanović, Inter goalkeeper however managed to block his effort with his right foot.

The pivotal moment of the game came thus at minute 81. Frydrych slipped in a duel with Lukaku, Belgian striker then passed around Kolář and sent the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1. Just a minute later Slavia could equalize again when Souček was left alone four metres from the goal, but his deflection sent the ball wide.

Final touch to the scoreboard was given in 88th minute. Lukaku assisted with outside of his left foot and Lautaro Martínez behind Slavia defence scored his second goal of the night. Lukaku’s goal in the added time was than – again – disallowed after VAR check due to previous offside.

Slavia thus lost their third home game in group F and with two points so far will remain fourth after MD6. The European journey is over for 2019/20 season.

MATCH HIGHLIHGTS ON SLAVIA TV