Slavia Praha - Athletic Club

Athletic leave Prague without the win but have taken a big step forward in terms of performance in the Champions League.

The Lions were superior to Slavia in all facets of the game but failed to find the winning goal. The final 0-0 scoreline, which means we now need two victories from the three remaining games, was unfair.

Jindrich Stanek's great performance in goal, which included three great saves to deny Robert Navarro and another to thwart Oihan Sancet at point-blank range, prevented a deserved victory for Athletic.

A thousand brave Athleticzales braved the snow as they tirelessly cheered on their Lions at the Fortuna Arena. Athletic's first major chance exemplified the match. Gorka Guruzeta and Sancet broke away on a counter-attack, but Oihan was unable to beat the home goalkeeper..

Slavia was a shadow of the surprising team that shone at San Mamés last year. This was most due to an impeccable defensive display from Athletic. Unai Simón commanded his area well, making the only save needed in the first half, whilst Aitor Paredes impressive performance saw him named man of the match.

The award would surely have gone to the lively Navarro had he beaten Stanek on any of the three occasions he had in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Slavia's shotstopper grew in confidence as he frustrated the former RCD Mallorca player. The last save of three, which came from a header that looked certain to be a goal, was picture perfect.

The Czechs got through the rough patch with the help of a triple substitution, and Athletic, although they were rarely troubled in defence, couldn't find a break through. A real shame.

Athletic were missing a little bit of luck on the night, but the overall display gives cause for optimism going forward in LaLiga and the Champions League.