Both Prague “S” teams – Slavia and Sparta – were unexpectedly eliminated in the quarterfinal stage of the MOL Cup on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Slavia led early in their match against Jablonec but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout, marking the third consecutive year they’ve failed to reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, Sparta delivered a lackluster performance in Mladá Boleslav, failing to score during regulation or extra time and subsequently losing the penalty shootout.
Mladá Boleslav entered the match as the underdog, buoyed by a recent 3-0 spring season victory against Jablonec. Sparta had previously responded to a draw against Plzeň with a win over Baník. Early in the game, Garang Kuol nearly opened the scoring for Sparta, but goalkeeper Jiří Floder made a remarkable save in the ninth minute, deflecting the shot over the crossbar. The Boleslav defense, anchored by their reliable goalkeeper, successfully withstood the ensuing pressure and a series of corner kicks.
The momentum shifted after fifteen minutes, with Boleslav threatening to score. Solomon John fired a powerful shot that Jakub Surovčík, Sparta’s goalkeeper, struggled to control, but Jan Buryán’s follow-up attempt went wide. Both teams demonstrated attacking intent, but their efforts were hampered by errors in the final stages of play.
Five minutes before halftime, Boleslav nearly took the lead, but Surovčík blocked shots from Daniel Langhamer and Martin Šubert. The Sparta goalkeeper continued to excel, denying Langhamer’s subsequent attempt, which then hit the post. The second half mirrored the first, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to capitalize.
Jan Kuchta had several chances for Sparta, but Floder consistently intervened. As the game neared its complete, a dense fog descended, leading to a more cautious approach from both teams. Filip Lehký’s attempt from distance was saved by Surovčík, who was protected by the goalpost.
In the 88th minute, David Pech appeared to have secured the win for Mladá Boleslav, scoring off a rebound from the post, but the goal was disallowed for offside – a controversial call, as replays suggested Pech was onside. The match went into extra time.
During extra time, Filip Lehký scored with a header in the 96th minute, but the goal was also disallowed for offside. Lukas Haraslín had a late opportunity for Sparta, unleashing his signature shot from outside the box, but Floder made another crucial save. Floder then became the hero in the penalty shootout, saving the first two Sparta attempts, paving the way for Mladá Boleslav to advance.
Both teams had been in good form following the winter break, though Jablonec suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat against Mladá Boleslav in their most recent league match. This loss was Jablonec’s first since the end of the autumn season, when they also lost to their quarterfinal opponent from the capital city.
The match began cautiously, but Mubarak Suleiman quickly injected energy into the game for Jablonec, scoring in the sixth minute after regaining possession. This goal spurred Slavia into action, with Jakub Markovič’s long pass finding Muhammed Cham, whose shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
Around the half-hour mark, Jablonec began to assert themselves, but failed to create any significant chances. Shortly before halftime, Mojmír Chytil set up Erik Prekop, but his shot went wide. Despite creating more opportunities in the first half, Jablonec couldn’t extend their lead.
Early in the second half, Jablonec equalized with a well-coordinated attack, culminating in a precise pass from Nemanja Tekijaški to Jan Chramosta, who skillfully slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. Jablonec dominated the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances until the 80th minute, when a throw-in led to a scramble in the box, with Martin Cedidla assisting Ebrima Singhateh in giving Jablonec the lead.
Just as Jablonec seemed poised to secure the victory, Youssoupha Mbodji equalized for Slavia in stoppage time, capitalizing on a missed header from Matěj Polidar.
The game went to extra time, where Singhateh appeared to score for Jablonec, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a video review.
The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, which Mladá Boleslav won, securing a surprising advancement to the semifinals. Slavia, meanwhile, has been eliminated in the quarterfinal round for the third year in a row. MOL Cup Results
