Sporting travels to the Czech capital for the sixth match of the Europa League. After an impressive 11 out of 15 points, RSCA aims to continue their strong European run against the country’s oldest football club. Here’s a closer look at our next opponent: SK Slavia Prague.
Still unbeaten in Europe, RSCA has already secured a spot in the Europa League’s top 24. With 3 wins and 2 draws, Sporting is also in the race for a top-8 finish, which would mean direct qualification for the Round of 16.
Against Slavia Prague, Sporting will strive to defend their unbeaten record. In previous encounters, RSCA faced the Czech side four times and emerged victorious on every occasion. The last double clash dates back to the Europa League Play-offs in 2016, when RSCA won 3-0 in both Brussels and Prague.
Rivalry in the Capital and European Commitment
SK Slavia Prague boasts a rich history. The “Red and Whites” were founded in 1892, a year before their biggest rivals, Sparta Prague. Until World War II, the two capital clubs almost exclusively shared the national titles. However, Slavia had to wait until 1996 to celebrate another league title.
Today, Slavia Prague has an impressive national record. In the former Czechoslovak Football League, which existed until the country’s split in 1993, they were crowned champions 10 times. Since then, “the Slavists” have won 7 Czech league titles and 7 national cups.
Currently, Slavia leads the Czech league with 50 points from 18 matches, holding a 10-point lead over Viktoria Plzen, RSCA’s next Europa League opponent. On the European stage, Slavia Prague has collected 4 points: a win against Ludogorets (0-2) on the opening day, a 1-1 draw against Ajax, and losses to Athletic Club, Frankfurt, and Fenerbahçe.
Familiar (and Former) Faces at Slavia Prague
Two players have previously worn the colors of both clubs. Striker Stanislav Vlček moved from Slavia Prague to the Belgian capital in 2008. That summer, he also represented his national team at the European Championship. After a year and a half, he returned to Slavia, where he ended his playing career and remains active within the club today. Similarly, Nicolae Stanciu played for both capitals. During his 53 matches with the purple and white, he scored 9 goals and provided 10 assists before moving to the “Red and Whites.”
The encounter with Slavia also marks a reunion with Simion Michez, who spent 15 seasons in RSCA’s Academy. After strong performances at Beerschot, he secured a transfer to the Czech top club. Michez has featured in all of Slavia’s European matches so far this season.
Slavia’s key players also include striker Tomas Chorý, who has scored 11 goals in 27 games this season. Several Czech internationals, such as Mojmír Chytil, Lukas Provod, and Tomas Holes, also play for the club. According to Transfermarkt.com, Slavia’s midfield is particularly valuable, with players like Oscar (€10 million), Zafeiris (€8.5 million), and Diouf (€7 million).
In the Fortuna Arena, which seats approximately 20,000 spectators, Sporting will look to secure more European points, albeit without their purple and white supporters. Kick-off on Thursday, December 12, at 9 PM.
