Plzeň U20 ran out 5-2 winners against Vítkovice U20 in the ELJ on Thursday evening. The visitors, who sit twelfth in the table, outscored their hosts at every opportunity on a night where the scoreline reflected the flow of play. Vítkovice had looked solid at home all season, but this was a different proposition entirely.
What struck you watching was how Plzeň moved the ball. They kept knocking on the door from the first whistle, and by then it was clear Vítkovice's defence had not prepared for this level of intensity. The hosts began to chase shadows, and the gap opened wider with each passing period.
Looking back at recent form, Vítkovice had won five of six, including a narrow 2-1 over Sparta Prague U20. But they also went down 2-5 to Pardubice the week before, so there was already a hint of vulnerability. Plzeň, meanwhile, had mixed results — a 7-1 demolition of Kladno, but also a 6-2 thrashing at Sparta's hands.
The result shifts the momentum in this fixture. Vítkovice now have one foot in trouble if they don't rectify their defensive organisation. Plzeň have picked up a crucial away victory, and by then the confidence would have been building among the younger players.
Seven goals in total, but this was never a balanced contest. Plzeň showed they can compete at this level, and Vítkovice will need to answer questions about their resilience going forward.
