Slavia Prague has advanced to the UEFA Champions League play-offs after a 1-0 victory against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, completing a 4-1 aggregate win. El Hadji Malick Diouf and his teammates will now face Lille in the play-offs, with a place in the group stage at stake.
With a comfortable 3-1 lead from the first leg, Slavia Prague entered the return match in Belgium with a strong advantage.
The Czech side, managed by Jindřich Trpišovský, delivered a disciplined performance that stifled Royale Union’s attempts to overturn the deficit.
The match saw few clear-cut chances, as Slavia’s defense, marshaled by 20-year-old Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, held firm throughout the evening.
Despite Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s efforts to break down the resilient visitors, it was Slavia Prague who found the decisive moment late in the game.
In the 84th minute, Václav Jurečka scored the only goal of the match, calmly slotting the ball past the Belgian side’s goalkeeper.
The goal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback for Royale Union and confirmed Slavia’s place in the next round.
El Hadji Malick Diouf, who started the match, was instrumental in maintaining Slavia’s defensive solidity.
The young Senegalese defender has been a key figure for the Czech side, providing both defensive stability and attacking support down the left flank.
His performances have caught the eye as Slavia Prague continues its quest to return to the Champions League group stage.
With the aggregate victory secured, Slavia Prague now turns its focus to the play-offs, where they will face French club Lille.
The match-up promises to be a challenging one, as Lille comes off the back of eliminating Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in their previous round.
Slavia, however, will be confident in their form and tactical discipline as they prepare for what will be a decisive two-legged tie.
Slavia Prague’s journey in this season’s Champions League has been marked by solid team performances and individual brilliance.
The club is aiming to return to the group stage of the competition, having last featured in the 2019-2020 season.
The play-offs against Lille will determine whether they can secure their place among Europe’s elite once again.
For Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the loss marks the end of their Champions League aspirations for this season.
Despite their efforts, the Belgian side was unable to overcome the experience and organization of Slavia Prague.
They will now shift their focus to domestic competitions and other European opportunities.
As the Champions League play-offs approach, Slavia Prague, led by players like El Hadji Malick Diouf, will aim to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the group stage, where they hope to compete against the best teams in Europe.
The upcoming clash with Lille will be a true test of their ambitions and abilities on the continental stage.
⏲️ KONEC | S výhrou do play off Ligy mistrů 😍
Skvělý a zodpovědný týmový výkon nám společně s trefou Václava Jurečky zajistil postup do dvojzápasu o #UCL proti LOSC Lille. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/SYBI8DfkDI
— SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) August 13, 2024
