FC Sellier & Bellot Vlašim 0-2 FC Slovan Liberec: Liberec Secure Comfortable Czech Cup Win

FC Slovan Liberec booked their place in the next round of the Czech Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over FC Sellier & Bellot Vlašim on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The match, played at Vlašim’s home ground, kicked off at 23:00 local time, and the visitors from the top flight showed their quality with a disciplined performance on the road.

Vlašim, competing in the lower division, entered the game as underdogs but with the hope that home advantage and cup magic could bridge the gap. For the first twenty minutes, they defended deep and tried to frustrate Liberec. However, the visitors’ patience and superior technical ability eventually told. In the 23rd minute, Jan Novák opened the scoring with a crisp finish after a well-worked move down the left. The goal settled Liberec’s nerves and forced Vlašim to come out of their shell.

Match Overview

The second half followed a similar pattern. Liberec controlled possession, moved the ball patiently, and waited for gaps to appear. Vlašim worked hard but struggled to create clear-cut chances. In the 67th minute, Petr Svoboda doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner, effectively ending the contest. Vlašim pushed forward late on, but Liberec’s defense held firm to secure a clean sheet.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Jan Novák gives Slovan Liberec the lead with a low drive.
• 45+1’ – Vlašim’s best chance of the first half is tipped over by the Liberec goalkeeper.
• 67’ – Petr Svoboda heads home a corner to make it 2-0.
• 84’ – Liberec nearly add a third, but the Vlašim keeper makes a fine save.

Tactical Story

Slovan Liberec lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with their full-backs instructed to overlap and provide width. That approach pinned Vlašim back and allowed Liberec’s midfield to dominate the center of the pitch. Vlašim, meanwhile, set up in a 5-4-1 defensive block, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the break. The plan worked for half an hour, but once Liberec scored, Vlašim had to abandon their low block, which opened more space for the visitors.

Liberec’s pressing was also effective. They won the ball back quickly in midfield and prevented Vlašim from building any sustained attacking rhythm. The home side’s best moments came from set pieces, but they lacked the final touch. Liberec’s defense, marshaled by their experienced center-backs, dealt with everything comfortably.

Standout Players

Jan Novák was the standout performer for Liberec, scoring the opener and constantly troubling Vlašim’s defense with his movement. Petr Svoboda’s aerial presence at both ends was vital, and his goal was a just reward. In midfield, Liberec’s captain controlled the tempo and ensured his team never lost composure. For Vlašim, their goalkeeper deserved credit for keeping the score respectable with a series of saves, while their left winger showed flashes of promise on the counter.

What It Means

The win sends FC Slovan Liberec into the next round of the Czech Cup, where they will face either a fellow top-flight side or a lower-league opponent. For Vlašim, the cup run ends, but they can take pride in competing against a professional team for long stretches. The result also highlights the gap in quality between the top division and the lower tiers, though cup football always leaves room for surprises. Liberec will now turn their attention back to league duties, while Vlašim will focus on their promotion push.