Sparta Prague Reach a Women’s Europa Cup Semi-Final for the First Time
In the semi-final, the Prague side will now face Swedish team Hammarby
Foto: AC Sparta Praha
The women’s team of AC Sparta Praha have reached the semi-final of a European competition for the first time. In the quarter-final of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, they triumphed 3-1 after extra time against Austria Wien.
A historic success for the Sparta Prague women’s team: for the first time in the club’s history, they have reached the semi-final of a European competition. In the quarter-final of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, the Czech side defeated Austria Wien 3-1 after extra time. The goals were scored by Stárová, as well as Bergford and Khýrová in extra time.
Austria Wien had already eliminated Czech champions Slavia Prague in a penalty shoot-out during the autumn qualifying round. This time, a shoot-out was not required. At the end of the first half, the score was 0-0. The first goal and the lead came in the 70th minute from Stárová, who struck into the far corner with her left foot. Just two minutes later, Cordes equalised for the hosts following a rebound from a corner. The match then went into extra time, which was dominated by the visitors from Prague.
Foto: Hallie Bergford | AC Sparta Praha
A corner brought the decisive moment: The corner from Khýrová saw the American Sparta striker Hallie Bergford jump highest to head in for 2–1 (98). Khýrová then sealed the win herself with a low shot for 3–1 (105+1).
Coach Michael Steiner, a native of Salzburg (Austria), celebrated the historic success in Vienna. The semi-final will begin with the home leg in Prague on 24 or 25 March, with the return leg taking place on 1 or 2 April in Stockholm.
Foto: AC Sparta Praha
The UEFA Women’s Europa Cup is new to the women’s football calendar this season. Until now, teams competed exclusively in the Champions League. Sparta Prague are the last Czech representatives remaining in European women’s competitions.
Quarter-final second leg, European Women’s Cup:
Austria Wien – Sparta Prague 1-3 a.e.t. (first leg 0-0)
Goals: 72 Cordes – 70 Stárová, 98 Bergford, 105+1 Khýrová
