Bolf heads Baník into history books
Sunday, May 2, 2004
Article summary
René Bolf's headed goal earned FC Baník Ostrava a 1-0 win at SK Sigma Olomouc and clinched the Czech title.
Article body
Eight-point lead
Czech international defender René Bolf, who will leave the club for AJ Auxerre this summer, provided the perfect parting gift when he headed the only goal from a Radoslav Látal corner after 15 minutes. The victory means that with two matches to play, Baník have an eight-point lead over deposed champions AC Sparta Praha.
Champions League qualifying
Baník now go into the third qualifying round of next season's UEFA Champions League, while Sparta will fight it out with city rivals SK Slavia Praha and Sigma for second place and entry to the Champions League's second qualifying round.
Fourth title
Beaten just twice this season, Baník are champions for the first time since 1981 and the fourth time overall. Coach František Komnacký has worked wonders with a side who finished fifth last term. He brought striker Marek Heinz back home after an unhappy spell with German side Hamburger SV and has been rewarded with 17 goals.
Revelations
Defender Bolf, captain Látal, Czech Republic Under-21 goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, and Miroslav Matušovic - one of the revelations of the Czech season - have also made telling contributions.
