Slavia Prague Defeats Bohemians 1905, Reclaims League Lead

Despite a closely contested match with an even share of shots and Bohemians dominating on corner kicks, Slavia proved too strong for their rivals. Bohemians’ coach Jaroslav Veselý acknowledged his team’s strong performance, stating, “We played one of our best matches in a long time. We were better between the boxes and in build-up play.” However, he added with a sigh, “But that doesn’t win you the game. Today, we lost out on beauty.”

Bohemians had the first significant chance of the match, with Sinjavskij’s attempt cleared off the line by Chaloupek at the last moment.

Slavia struck first in the 17th minute when Chorý skillfully evaded a defender and calmly finished past goalkeeper Reichl. “The first goal was a gift, it really lifted me,” a frustrated Veselý commented.

Chorý threatened again shortly after, but Reichl was equal to his effort. Around the half-hour mark, Sinjavskij’s shot narrowly sailed over the bar as Bohemians continued to push for an equalizer.

The visitors maintained a competitive edge, but were dealt a blow in the 42nd minute when Chaloupek’s shot took a deflection off Okeke, resulting in an own goal.

“I dare say we conceded two goals out of nothing. We aren’t Santa Claus, Christmas is still a long way off for us to be giving away gifts like that,” Veselý lamented.

Before halftime, Slavia’s goalkeeper Staněk made a crucial save from Čermák’s header, sending the league leaders into the break with a comfortable lead. They would control the game from there.

Provod extended Slavia’s advantage in the 73rd minute with a powerful strike from 20 meters, marking his third league goal of the season.

Bohemians pulled one back in the 76th minute through substitute Kadlec, who capitalized on a cross from Zeman just a minute after entering the game. It was only their second goal in the last eight meetings between the two sides. However, they couldn’t build on the momentum, and the remainder of the match was played largely in Slavia’s half. Kareem tested Staněk late in added time, but the score remained 3-1.

“I don’t remember when we had 18 shots against Slavia, but we didn’t get close to their quality in the box. That’s why we deservedly lost today,” Veselý conceded.

Slavia’s coach, Jindřich Trpišovský, agreed with the assessment, saying, “Bohemka played maybe their best game in a long time here today. The difference was made by our offensive players.”

The champions continued their impressive home form, having lost only one of their last 62 league matches at Eden Arena. Bohemians haven’t tasted victory on Slavia’s ground since September 1993, in the very first of their 25 encounters.

16. kolo první fotbalové ligy:

Slavia Praha – Bohemians Praha 1905 3:1 (2:0)

Branky: 17. Chorý, 42. vlastní Okeke, 73. Provod – 76. A. Kadlec. Rozhodčí: Wulkan – M. Vlček, Váňa – Petřík (video). ŽK: Bořil – Drchal, Kareem. Diváci: 18.992.

Slavia: Staněk – T. Vlček (85. Cham), Zima, Chaloupek – Moses (75. Holeš), Zafeiris (46. Kušej), Sadílek, Bořil – Provod, Sanyang (75. Chytil) – Chorý (78. Prekop). Trenér: Trpišovský.

Bohemians: Reichl – Kareem, Hůlka, Vondra, Sinjavskij – Čermák (86. Černý), Okeke (86. Smrž) – Drchal (61. Zeman), Ramírez, Kovařík (75. A. Kadlec) – Hilál (61. Ristovski). Trenér: Veselý.