Souček´s perfect celebration

Slavia had five players injured including Bílek, Zmrhal, Bořil and Latka, and Levan Kenia suspended. Baník, on the other hand, could not use Hrubý and Dostál, both on loan from Slavia.

Just one day after his 21st birthday, Tomáš Souček was the one to steal the show in front of 13 thousand fans in Eden Arena. However it was Baník who took the lead through De Azevedo 27 minutes into the first half. Goalkeeper Martin Berkovec went far from his post just to see De Azevedo seizing the ball and lobbing Slavia goalie cleverly.

Fortunately for the home side, Souček started the turn just five minutes later when he capitalised from Vukadinovič’s pass and fired his shot through Šrom. Nevertheless the young goalkeeper helped considerably underestimating slight deflection by one of the defending players.

If Slavia midfielder was lucky with his initial goal, the same has to be said about his second which came in 37th minute. Souček latched on Hušbauer’s pass, rounded his defender and his deflected shot from distance fitted into the net.

Souček’s wishes to score a hat-trick were fulfilled after 65 minutes. Škoda won the ball for the young midfielder, Souček went around two defending players and chipped the goalkeeper from narrow angle to double the advantage.

Slavia set the pace for most of the second half but squandered their chances. Šrom denied Železník and Škoda, Vukadinovič then directed his shot past the woodwork.

Slavia play their next game in Mladá Boleslav on March 5th which will be one of the decisive games in fight for 2016/17 Europa League spot.