Viagem managed to bounce back with a rejuvenated line-up, winning 3–0 in Karlovy Vary

The Viagem Ústí nad Labem footballers managed to make amends in the first round of the MOL Cup for their botched league match against Česká Lípa. They secured a 3–0 victory away at Division side Karlovy Vary, despite fielding a significantly reshuffled line-up. All three goals were scored by players from the wider squad.

The result was effectively decided within less than a quarter of an hour in the first half. Bzura opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by two goals from Diarra, who completed his brace in the 37th minute to seal the emphatic victory. Although no further goals were scored in the second half, the North Bohemians held on to their lead without any major problems until the end and comfortably secured their place in the next round.

Ústí nad Labem manager David Oulehla was pleased with both the performance and the result: “I think it was a comfortable match that we had under control the whole time. Although we went into it with a lot of player rotations, we could still have scored more goals, and the lads handled it brilliantly.”

Among others, the manager gave playing time to goalkeeper David Němec and Salomon Osaghae. Novotný, Berelidze, Diarra, Goj, Bzura, Fantiš and Rudenkyi also made their first starts, giving them the chance to showcase their qualities in a competitive match.

Oulehla also praised the opposition’s performance: “I must give credit to the home side too; they were tough opponents and well-organised, which makes our satisfaction at progressing all the greater,” added the manager of the North Bohemian side.

The teams that have progressed will face the draw for the second round of the MOL Cup as early as Friday, with league sides also entering the draw. Viagem fans can therefore speculate as to whether any of the top-flight opponents might be coming to Ústí nad Labem.

Match summary:

• Goals for Ústí nad Labem: Bzura (20’), Diarra (37’, 37’)
• Result: Karlovy Vary – Ústí nad Labem 0–3
• First-time starters: Novotný, Berelidze, Diarra, Goj, Bzura, Fantiš, Rudenkyi
• In goal: David Němec