Baník break Sparta stranglehold

It was a long wait for FC Baník Ostrava, but for the first time since winning the Czechoslovakian title 23 years ago they are national champions again.

Vacek serves success
Since the Czech Republic went its own way a decade ago, Baník had never even qualified for Europe. But the northern Moravian side have been transformed since former tennis player Daniel Vacek took a controlling share in January 2003 for €2m. They opened the season with a blistering 17-game unbeaten run, and the fans who once threw tennis balls on to the pitch in protest at Vacek were enthralled.

Perfect blend
The unsung Frantisek Komnacký, who took over as coach last summer, produced a perfect blend of youth and experience. Striker Marek Heinz became a local hero after his return from German side Hamburger SV, scoring 19 goals to book a ticket to UEFA EURO 2004™.

Experienced heads
Also returning from the Bundesliga to star for Baník was Radoslav Látal, part of FC Schalke 04's 1996/97 UEFA Cup-winning team. Captain Látal marshalled the defence superbly, while Martin Cízek, once of TSV 1860 München, proved the creative hub.

Young talent
Of the younger players, central defender René Bolf has become an automatic choice for national coach Karel Brückner, while Czech Under-21 goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka and ten-goal midfield player Miroslav Matušovic were the revelations of the season. Of these, Bolf is presently the only player on his way out of the club, having signed a deal with AJ Auxerre.

Capital disappointment
Capital rivals AC Sparta Praha and SK Slavia Praha duelled for the title last season, but this time were left in Baník's wake. Both changed their coaches and Sparta - who were aiming for their ninth title in eleven seasons - brought in 14 players in an attempt to catch the leaders.

Late surge
In March, Sparta replaced coach Jirí Kotrba with František Straka, whose FK Teplice side had eliminated 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Feyenoord from the UEFA Cup. Straka won six and drew one of his seven league games in charge, including victory against Baník, which secured them second place and Champions League qualification. Sparta then beat Baník 2-1 in a thrilling Czech Cup final, so it is no surprise that Straka has signed a new deal.

Sigma pip Slavia
Slavia, meanwhile, turned to Josef Csaplár midway through the season. Csaplár masterminded FC Slovan Liberec's title triumph two years ago, but could not stop Slavia finishing fourth behind SK Sigma Olomouc, whose success was helped by goalkeeper Martin Vaniak keeping 15 clean sheets. However, Slavia will join Sigma in the UEFA Cup due to the heady league positions of both Czech Cup finalists.

Viktoria falls
At the bottom, FC Viktoria Plzen were relegated just 12 months after entering the top flight, with FK Viktoria Žižkov following them down just 19 months after eliminating Rangers FC from the UEFA Cup. Their fall is as big a surprise as Baník's dominance.