Match with Genk remained goalless

Škoda and Trossard hit post in the opening half.

First European minutes for Alex Král.

Slavia have not conceded yet at home in 2018/19 Europa League.

Second leg in Genk on 21 February.

Manager Trpišovský has chosen similar line-up to the victorious one against Teplice with only one change. Miroslav Stoch replaced Peter Olayinka in the midfield.

Slavia started better and created their first chance just 5 minutes into the game, but Stoch’s shot from outside the box did not trouble goalkeeper Vukovic much. On 17th minute Milan Škoda headed wide after Hušbauer’s cross and just few moments later our captain hit post of Genk goal when he turned around with the ball and Vukovic could not reach his low effort.

Big chances for Genk came later. On 32nd minute Trossard outmuscled Kúdela on the left wing and hit the post with his cross-shot from difficult angle. On the other side Miroslav Stoch missed close with his promising effort from outside the box.

The second half started Slavia with a chance too, when Zmrhal returned Bořil’s cross in front of the goal, Milan Škoda’s volley was blocked by Vukovic. At minute 60 Olayinka – who replaced Zmrhal – sent another cross to the penalty area, but Vukovic managed to punch away Škoda’s effort again.

Genk had their chances too, especially after Pozuelo replaced Fiolić on 57th minutes. On 73rd minute De Norre appeared face-to-face with Slavia goalkeeper after perfect through pass from Genk midfield, but Kolář proved his quality and saved Slavia in crucial moment of 2nd half.

On the other side Slavia could break the deadlock on 81st minute when Olayinka seized the ball after his perfect pressure and passed it into the box to van Buren, but the Dutch striker missed the near post with his low effort.

The game thus ended in a 0-0 draw. Slavia haven’t conceded home in 4 consecutive European games but will have to fight hard next week in Genk. Chances are still 50-50 as both managers agreed after the game.