Slavia Prague are one step away from the riches of the Champions League group stage. Now, the Czech Republic club will attempt to prevent capitulating at home against Cluj.
Lukas Masopust scored the only goal of the game in the 28th minute. His goal came from just outside the penalty area. The goal held up for Slavia Prague. However, the Czechs needed Ondrej Kolar's to save Billel Omrani penalty to keep the score intact.
Cluj simply need an away goal to level the tie. A 2-2 draw would see Cluj into the next round. On paper, it sounds simple, but Slavia Prague held Cluj out of goal a week ago and could do it all over again.
Slavia Prague played at the weekend on the domestic front in the Czech Republic. The Czech club won 4-0 against rivals Bohemians.
Bohemians ✅Kluž 🔜Už jen 2⃣ dny! ⌛️ #slacluJak se těšíte, slávisti? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/GpyOq7v6Ic— SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) August 26, 2019
Bohemians ✅Kluž 🔜Už jen 2⃣ dny! ⌛️ #slacluJak se těšíte, slávisti? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/GpyOq7v6Ic
Wednesday night’s opponents, Cluj, also won at the weekend and put four goals past their domestic opponents. Cluj won 4-1 against Botosani.
Slavia Prague have not reached the Champions League group stage in 12 years. Their 2007-08 Champions League group stage appearance was their only time to play in the competition.
The Czech Republic team entered the competition at the playoff round thanks to their Czech Republic win last season. Cluj, on the other hand, joined in the first qualifying round. After losing away to Astana, Cluj rebounded to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Cluj then won their second and third round qualifying ties over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Celtic, respectively. The good news for Cluj is their third qualifying round match could be a sign of what is to come in the playoff round second leg.
Cluj finished their third qualifying round match first leg against Celtic 1-1. They then went to Celtic Park and defeated the Scottish Champions 4-3 to win the tie 5-4 on aggregate.
The Romanians do not have any new reported injury issues. Manager Dan Petrescu should have most of his squad available. He will need all of his best players to turn around the tie.
Slavia Prague also have a clean bill of health. Manager Jindrich Trpisovsky was able to rest some of his best players over the weekend against Bohemians, including Masopust.
Cluj have an uphill battle. Can they overturn the deficit to Slavia Prague? The Czech Republic team is in control and should see out another victory. Like the first leg, expect under 2.5 goals with only one team scoring.