Slavia hold off Sparta to claim glory

SK Slavia Praha sealed the Czech Republic championship on the season's final day despite only managing a 2-2 draw at home to FK Jablonec 97 while closest challengers AC Sparta Praha lost a seven-goal thriller at FC Slovan Liberec to scupper their own title hopes.

Strong position
Slavia went into the campaign's last set of fixtures two points clear of their city rivals and therefore knowing a victory would guarantee them top spot. They duly took the lead six minutes after half-time when Tijani Belaid struck. However, Jablonec hit back immediately through Igor Zofcak and although Daniel Pudil restored the lead four minutes from time, the away side equalised again to leave Slavia hoping Sparta had not done any better.

Final-day blues
As it transpired, Sparta lost 4-3 at Liberec to hand Slavia the title. Despite taking the lead after just seven minutes following a Miroslav Slepicka strike , the away side then shipped three unanswered strikes to effectively end their challenge for 1. Liga glory.