In a tightly contested Czech Liga fixture, Slavia Praha narrowly defeated Slovan Liberec 1-0 at the Fortuna Arena. The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Tomáš Chorý converted a penalty, following a contentious first half marked by VAR interventions that saw two Slavia goals disallowed.
A First Half Marred by VAR Decisions
The first half unfolded with a series of interruptions, as VAR played a central role. Slavia thought they had taken the lead when M. E. Suleiman found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball in the 38th minute. Just after the break, another Slavia goal by Chorý was chalked off for offside. The frustration among the players was palpable as they headed into the dressing room deadlocked.
Chorý's Composure Seals the Game
The second half saw Slavia assert more control. Their persistence paid off when a penalty was awarded, and Chorý made no mistake, sending the home fans into raptures. Despite Slovan Liberec's attempts to equalize, their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Slavia defense, keeping their slender lead intact till the final whistle.
Statistical Insights
Slavia dominated possession with 54%, translating into 16 shots, five of which tested the opposition keeper. In contrast, Liberec managed only two shots on target. The home side's tactical discipline was evident, with Štěpán Chaloupek winning 10 of his 16 duels and making three key interceptions, neutralizing Liberec's attacking threats.
Looking Ahead
Slavia Praha's victory consolidates their strong form this season, pushing them further up the league standings. With consistent performances like this, they remain a formidable force domestically. Meanwhile, Slovan Liberec will need to regroup and improve ahead of their next fixture, as recent form has shown a mix of resilience and inconsistency.
