A highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash between Slavia Prague and Athletic Bilbao delivered intensity but little end-product, ending in a 0-0 stalemate.
The result leaves Slavia with just one defeat at Fortuna Arena this season, though they are yet to find the net in the competition.
Both sides approached the match with urgency, fully aware of its significance for their chances of progression.
Early exchanges hinted at attacking promise, but finishing was lacking, with Tomas Chory and Oihan Sancet both denied by resolute defending.
Sancet later curled an effort over the bar from the edge of the area, while Lukas Provod saw a controlled chest-down finish drift wide of Unai Simon’s post.
As the game progressed, tension crept in, resulting in unnecessary yellow cards for players on both sides, including Slavia manager Jindrich Trpisovsky.
Chory nearly broke the deadlock after Simon rushed off his line, only for Adama Boiro to intervene, while David Zima effectively thwarted Sancet at the other end.
Slavia’s defensive resilience continued as a dinked attempt was blocked, and Michal Sadilek absorbed several heavy challenges in a combative first half.
The second half saw Athletic press harder, with goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek making crucial stops against Robert Navarro, including a low save and a brilliant block on a header within seven minutes. Both managers reacted with substitutions,Trpisovsky making a triple change and Ernesto Valverde bringing on Nico Williams—yet Slavia remained compact and difficult to break down.
Chory’s header was comfortably saved, Zima blocked Alejandro Rego’s strike, and Stepan Chaloupek’s promising chance from a Sadilek corner was foiled by Boiro
As a result, Slavia remain without a Champions League goal since their opening-day clash with Bodo/Glimt.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, continue to struggle, having won just one of their last six matches across all competitions.
They will also be without Aitor Paredes for their next fixture against Paris Saint-Germain after he picked up a yellow card following his late challenge on Chory.
