Five Czech Clubs Chase European Glory: A Record-Breaking Season for Czech Football

Czech football could be on track for a record number of clubs competing in European competitions this season. No fewer than five Czech teams are still fighting for a spot in the group (main) stages of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Slavia — a straight ticket to the Champions League

As reigning champions, Slavia Prague are the only one of the five clubs to skip the summer qualifying rounds entirely, having gone straight into the Champions League's main phase. The Prague side will learn their group-stage opponents on Thursday, August 27, when the draw for the tournament's main stage takes place.

Sparta already through to the Europa League

Sparta Prague have also secured their place in Europe — albeit one tier down. After losing to Lyon in the Champions League's third qualifying round (2-1, 0-3), the Prague club earned a spot in the Europa League's main stage. The draw involving Sparta is set for Friday, August 28.

Plzeň to face Red Star Belgrade

Viktoria Plzeň will take on Serbia's Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League play-off round. Should they come through the two-legged tie, the club will reach the Europa League's main stage for the third season running. A defeat, however, would send them into the Conference League instead.

The first leg is set for August 20 in Belgrade, with the return leg on August 27 in Plzeň.

Hradec Králové and Jablonec battle on for the Conference League

Hradec Králové remain in the European hunt despite a 0-1 defeat in Istanbul on Thursday. The team now face a Conference League play-off against Greece's Panathinaikos, who needed extra time (1-1, 2-1 a.e.t.) to see off Bulgaria's CSKA 1948 in the third qualifying round. The first leg takes place on August 20 in Athens, with the return match on August 27 in Hradec Králové.

Jablonec, having already eliminated Croatia's Varaždin and Latvia's RFS, will meet Scotland's Rangers in the play-off round. The Glasgow club suffered a surprise Europa League exit at the hands of Poland's Jagiellonia (1-2 away, 1-1 at home) and are now fighting for a Conference League spot instead. The first leg is scheduled for August 20 in Glasgow, with the return leg on August 27 in Jablonec.

Source: sport.cz