Zeljeznicar – Plzen 23.07.2013

Having lost 4:3 in Czech Republic, Bosnian champions Zeljeznicar kept their chances alive in the tie against Viktoria Plzen.

In order to advance to the next round of the Champions League qualifiers, Zeljo need to record a victory at home soil, but defeating the Czech champions is easier said than done.

Željezničar is one of the most famous teams in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its success includes winning one title during when the championships were based on ethnic principles in 1997–98 season under the command of Enver Hadziabdic and four titles in the Bosnian Premier League. After they clinched the title last term, the Blues secured their place in the Champions League qualifiers. Zeljeznicar did remarkably well to score no less than three goals in their defeat to Viktoria in the first leg in Plzen. Even though the team played without several first team players, Zeljo produced a solid performance against the Czechs. Zeljeznicar are still in the race for the next round, but they need to defeat Viktoria Plzen if they are to make it to the next round of the process. I believe that the Bosnians will adopt a cautious approach and wait for their chance in the second half.

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Against all odds Viktoria Plzen faced a tough challenge in the first leg against Bosnian champions Zeljeznicar. Two-time Czech league winners produced a promising display up front, with the team scoring four goals, but Viktorka faced problems at the back. In order to make it to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers, Viktoria Plzen need to at least play out a draw with Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo. With the club chiefs having reinforced the squad over the summer, Viktoria Plzen are favourites to win the return leg, but they need to prove their worth on the field. On the weekend Viktoria started their league campaign with a 5:0 trashing of Bohemians at home soil, meaning that the team visit Sarajevo full of confidence. Daniel Kolar netted three goals in last two matches and he will be a man to watch in the home side. Viktoria Plzen, who are superior to their rivals, are likely to eliminate Zeljeznicar from the competition.