The derby-comeback

Manager Trpišovský opted for the same line-up as in the victorious game against Sigma with Milan Škoda as a lone striker. Škoda’s start was doubtful after injury in the last minutes of Sigma game.

The home side started better and took lead at the 12th minute. Stanciu’s fast cross alongside the goal line was deflected by Slavia goalkeeper Kolář and the ball ended in the top corner of his net.

Slavia then showed several quick attack but it was Sparta who could strike again six minutes later. David Lafata, however, missed the open net after Kadlec cross.

Another heart-beating moment for Slavia came after 21 minutes. After Jugas’ handplay referee Pavel Královec pointed on a penalty spot but changed his decision after a video-review to the free kick. Nicolae Stanciu sent his first shot to the wall but scored with a rebound just to see his goal disallowed due to Štetina’s offside.

But Sparta added second goal just 11 minutes later. Deli blocked Stanciu’s cross, Stanciu again took the corner and Tomáš Souček headed his the ball into his own net on the near post.

And after 37 minutes it was Slavia – for a change – who were denied by the video-referee. After Stoch’s cross Škoda passed the ball to Jan Bořil who fired it through Nita, but the goal was disallowed due to Škoda’s previous offside.

At minute 40 Hušbauer got a chance to shoot from outside the box but fired the ball over Nita’s crossbar.

Before the break Sparta managed to add third goal. One minute into the half Nicolae Stanciu was left alone on the right wing, proceeded with the ball into the box and fired it through Kolář on the near post again.

Coach Trpišovský made two changes after a disastrous opening half. Danny was replaced by Mick van Buren and Michal Frydrych by Jakub Hromada.

And from 60th minute on Slavia started to set the pace of the game. At minute 59 Stoch fired his first dangerous shot but missed crossbar by a few centimeters. Four minutes later Nita managed to block Hušbauer’s surprising shot with his left foot.

First spark of hope for Slavia was striked by Miroslav Stoch anyway. After 70 minutes Nita could not hold Hromada’s cross, Stoch got the ball on the far post and sent the ball precisely into the top corner of Sparta goal. It was his maiden league goal in Slavia jersey.

Sparta could regain their three-goal lead eight minutes later but Štetina missed the open net with his rebound.

At minute 83 Simon Deli scored the contact goal when he headed the ball into the net following Hušbauer’s corner. Shortly afterwards Staniclav Tecl – who replaced injured Mick van Buren – could equalize but was denied by Nita with his right-foot shot from inside the box.

The pivotal moment of the game thus came in the added time. On 90+3’ Štetina hit Tecl’s foot shortly before his attempt in front of an opan net, referee Královec stopped the game for a video-review and directed a penalty against Sparta. Captain Milan Škoda scored from the spot on 90+5 minute.

Slavia thus got one point from 289th Prague Derby despite being three goals down on half-time. Sparta lost the 3-0 lead in a home game for the first time since 1968.

The red & whites remain on the second spot of Czech first league, four points ahead Slovan Liberec. Sparta are sixth, seven points behind Slavia.