The European journey is not over!

Coach Dušan Uhrin had made two changes in compare to the home game: Zmrhal showed up in the starting eleven instead of Mihalík and Michael Ngadeu – who had come to Slavia as a central back during summer break – appeared surprisingly as a defensive midfield next to Tomáš Souček.

Despite this more defensive-looking lineup Slavia played equal game with Rio Ave during the opening half and even created more chances. 21 minutes into the game Škoda hit the post with his header after Hušbauer’s cross.

Just a minute later Slavia took the surprising lead when Josef Hušbauer latched onto Mikula’s pass to produce a back-post finish past Cássio. Some 12 minutes later Yazalde had the best chance to equalise but Pavlenka produced a vital save against his shot towards the right post.

Since the opening goal home players became apparently nervous which resulted in Nadjack being sent off after two fouls in the middle of the pitch.

However, despite having Nadjack dismissed, Rio Ave started with more possession in the second half. The home side then drew level 12 minutes after the break. Deli’s poor clearance was halted by Gil Dias, Pavlenka clawed his shot only to the left post and Ribeiro’s rebound ended in the goal.

Rio Ave then set the pace but failed to create more serious opportunities. On the other side Slavia could regain the lead several times while Rio Ave focused more on the offensive during the last minutes. Škoda’s turn shot was brilliantly saved by Cássio and the Portuguese goalkeeper blocked also Barák’s effort in the extra time.

After eliminating Levadia Tallinn in the second round, Slavia coped with Rio Ave winning over their opponent on away goal. However, there is still one more European club on the way to the Europa League group stage.