Fuente : UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

Football Europe: Decimated Slovan set the pace

/noticias.info/ FC Slovan Liberec are the surprise league leaders in the Czech Republic, after winning their opening three games, culminating in a defeat of champions AC Sparta Praha on Saturday.

Bribery scandal
The 2002 champions were not among the pre-season favourites, partly because coach Stanislav Griga had resigned at the end of last term after the club were deducted six points for a bribery scandal which left them fifth in the table.

Satisfying win
However, despite losing six key players, Griga's old assistant Vítezslav Lavicka has found a winning formula. With Slovakian forward Juraj Ancic pulling the strings, goals from Ivan Hodúr and Milan Matula gave Liberec a hugely satisfying 2-0 victory against Sparta to cap a great start.

Sparta slipping
Some thought Sparta had that defeat coming, having been lucky to snatch 2-1 wins against promoted FC Viktoria Plzen and FK SIAD Most. Both newcomers have impressed in the top tier, winning their other two matches and deserving better against the champions.

Newcomers strong
Most in particular have caused a stir, beating two UEFA Cup contenders. A victory against FK Teplice was impressive enough, but Monday's 4-0 demolition of FC Baník Ostrava on Monday really caught the eye, with 36-year-old striker Horst Siegl scoring twice to take his league tally to 167 goals.

Slavia stumbles
UEFA Champions League contenders SK Slavia Praha began badly with a 1-1 draw against new boys FC Vysocina Jihlava and a 1-0 defeat at Teplice. With players being rested for tonight's third qualifying round second leg against RSC Anderlecht, they were also 2-0 down against FK Jablonec 97 on Saturday, but three goals in the last 15 minutes gave Karel Jarolím's men a first win.

Vladyka on top
In another shock, Vysocina's Petr Vladyka - formerly a bit-part player at Slavia and FK Chmel Blšany - is the league's top scorer with a goal in each of his first three outings. Vladyka made his name as a Czech international Futsal player.

Mumps outbreak
Finally, 1. FC Slovácko's game against FK Mladá Boleslav had to be postponed due to an attack of mumps among the home team. Three Slovácko players were taken ill, and fearing an epidemic, the Football Association of the Czech Republic decided to call the match off. notas_de_prensa_archivo