Plzeň loses 2:0 to AC Milan in Champions League

Czech football titleholders Viktoria Plzeň made their second appearance in the prestigious Champions League when they played Italian champions AC Milan on Wednesday. The Czechs put up a brave fight but a harsh penalty and an excellent performance by Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the hosts a 2:0 win, ending Plzeň’s hopes of upsetting the strong favourite.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano, photo: CTK

Viktoria Plzeň played a fearless game in Milan, and resisted for more than 50 minutes before one of the most successful clubs struck twice and secured a victory.

The Czech champions however came close to stunning AC Milan when they opened up the first opportunity of the game. In the 3rd minute, Plzeň’s Václav Pilař sent the ball in the box but Milan’s goalkeeper Christian Abiatti saved a great header by Milan Bakoš.

Plzeň spent much of the first half on the defensive but managed to fend off Milan’s attacks, most of them by the brilliant Zlatan Ibrahimovič. The Swedish player, who returned after a two-week injury lay-off, nearly gave his side a lead in the 32nd minute but Plzeň’s goalie Marek Čech showed a great save against his short-range shot.

Plzeň had the biggest chance to score six minutes before half-time, when captain Pavel Horváth received the ball near the penalty spot but shot wide. After the game, the 36-year-old playmaker said he was sorry about the spoilt opportunity.

Pavel Horváth, photo: CTK

“I’m upset with myself for not having converted the opportunity which was really big. I rushed it; I wanted to hit the ball the way I did but unfortunately it was wide. In general, I think we did not fail horribly in the game and we played decently. But again, I think I will be sorry about my opportunity for a long time to come, but that’s life.”

Eight minutes into the second half, AC Milan weighed in. Zlatan Ibrahimovič flicked the ball up inside the penalty box in an attempt to pass around Plzeň right defenseman Marián Čišovký; the ball hit his hand, and the referee called a harsh penalty. Ibrahimovič took the ball and gave his side a 1:0 lead.

Some 13 minutes later, the Swedish player provided an opportunity for Antonio Cassano who zipped the ball through the Plzeň goalkeeper’s legs, setting the score at 2:0.

Pavel Vrba, photo: CTK

Plzeň coach Pavel Vrba said Zlatan Ibrahimovič was the difference between the sides and the ultimate reason why Plzeň left empty handed.

“For us, it was unfortunate he recovered. If he had not played, it would have been more difficult for AC Milan because he decided the match. He took part in all their attacks AC’s offensive centred around him; he was their best player. If he had been out for another week, the result could have been more favourable for us.”

In their next Champions League appearance, Viktoria Plzeň will play a tougher opponent yet when the face arguably the world’s best current club FC Barcelona in Spain on October 19.