Viktoria Plzeň score in final minutes to draw with AC Milan

Viktoria Plzeň rewarded fans at Prague’s Eden stadium on Tuesday with a match to remember against AC Milan in the Champions League. With just minutes remaining the Czech club scored not once but twice to earn a well-deserved draw. While not enough to advance, the club will at least continue in competition in UEFA’s Europa League in the spring.

Pavel Horváth, photo: CTK

At one point in Tuesday’s Champions League game between Viktoria Plzeň and Italian football giants AC Milan things looked pretty much over for the Czech club. Specifically: early into the second half, after Pato and Robinho scored within just 60 seconds of each of other to put the Italian side ahead 2:0. The Czech league champions, though, came back – levelling the game dramatically in the dying minutes and seconds.

Bystroň struck what appeared to be a consolation goal in the 89th minute but Slovak international Ďuriš added a second – firing past Marco Amelia moments from the final whistle to secure the draw against the Italian club. The result sparked celebration by fans and saw Plzeň coach Pavel Vrba, who turned 48 on the day, given a long ovation.

The team’s record in its maiden Champions League run?

Pavel Vrba, photo: CTK

A respectable five points from one win, two draws, and three losses, securing third place and a spot in the Europa League.

A little earlier I spoke to journalist Karel Haring who covers football for the Czech daily Sport:

“Overall I think that the club did better than expected: five points is a respectable result for Plzeň. But what I rate even higher than points was the level of their performance – Plzeň played really well and I think that everyone enjoyed their games in the Champions League and I think this was the best thing.”

It seemed that they didn’t ‘sit back’, they really went for their chances, they weren’t afraid...

Marián Čišovský, Alexandre Pato, photo: CTK

“Definitely. They confirmed their philosophy to play forward, to attack and this is something you have to admire. They didn’t turn to a defensive style. And this is something that isn’t typical for Czech football clubs. So you have to admire it.”

Certainly AC Milan didn’t expect Plzeň to come back late in the game as they did...

“Yes, definitely. I don’t think AC Milan were concentrating fully – after all the club couldn’t finish better or worse than second spot in the group. At the same time, I wouldn’t want to take away from Plzeň’s success: they tied it and I think the result was one that Plzeň deserved.”

Many people have noted Plzeň’s playing style now; has it had a positive impact not only for the club but elsewhere, for the national squad?

David Bystroň scores, photo: CTK

“I think so. The ‘Plzeň factor’ was one of the most important for the national team’s qualifying for Euro 2012. Coach Bílek began fielding more Plzeň players starting with Petr Jiráček against Scotland in September where he made quite an impressive debut. The formation was changed from 4-2-2-2 to 4-2-3-1, which Plzeň players are used to and a more direct, attacking style introduced which paid off. I think the contribution of the players from Plzeň to the national squad has been very positive indeed.”