In Sports News this Monday: Slavia win at Sparta for first time in eight years; coach Ščasný leaves club in wake of defeat; Koukalová retires from tennis; and Chomutov continue to impress in Extraliga while Plzeň throw away solid lead.
Slavia grab three points at Sparta for first time in eight years
Photo: CTK
One of the biggest games in Czech domestic soccer, the Prague “S” derby between Sparta and Slavia, took place at the former’s Letná stadium on Sunday afternoon. And for the first time in eight years Slavia left the home of their bitterest rivals with all three points in the bag, having outplayed the hosts comprehensively in a 2:0 victory. The visitors’ Muris Mesanovic missed a penalty in time added on at the end of the first half; however, the striker made amends with a goal on 62 minutes, before Jaromír Zmrhal doubled Slavia’s lead with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Speaking at a news conference after the game, Slavia boss Jaroslav Šilhavý said he was unlikely to forget the occasion.
“It’s a wonderful feeling. My first derby in the role of main coach and victory at Sparta. This I will remember. Without wishing to be at all arrogant, we completely deserved to win. In the first half we were clearly better, even though we were lacking a goal and unfortunately we missed that penalty. But I still believed – when I saw the determination of the boys in the dressing room at half time. It was an excellent team performance.”
Ščasný steps down as Sparta boss in wake of derby defeat
Zdeněk Ščasný, photo: CTK
Šilhavý’s opposite number Zdeněk Ščasný took responsibility for the defeat immediately after Sunday’s game, saying he would discuss his future with the club’s management. And on Monday morning it was announced that Ščasný was stepping down after his second stint at Sparta; while he led them to the title twice in the late 1990s, this time out his biggest achievements were second place in the league and reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season. Sparta will be in action in the same competition this coming Thursday, when they welcome Inter Milan to Letná in the group stage.
Sparta likely to face disciplinary action over marauding fans
Klára Koukalová, photo: Jiří Hošek
In the meantime, Sparta can expect to face disciplinary action from the Czech football association after a group of disgruntled radical supporters invaded the pitch during Sunday’s derby.
Koukalová retires from tennis at 34
The Czech tennis player Klára Koukalová has just announced her retirement at the age of 34. At one time ranked 20th in the world, Koukalová picked up three WTA titles during her career with her last being in Florianopolis two years ago.
Chomutov continue impressive Extraliga start with win over Sparta
Chomutov - Sparta Prague, photo: CTK
In ice hockey’s domestic Extraliga Chomutov continued their impressive start to the season on Sunday, beating Sparta Prague 4:3 after overtime in the capital in the sixth round. However, Třinec remain top of the table following a 3:0 victory at Liberec’s stadium. Second-placed Kometa Brno overcame Karlovy Vary 4:2 and while the latter’s fans may have been disappointed, they surely won’t be as dismayed as supporters of Plzeň; the West Bohemians had been leading Olomouc 3:0 at home only to end up losing 6:5 after overtime.
