With a dramatic 4-0 victory in Bern, Sparta Prague have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the new Women’s Europa Cup. After a 0-3 defeat in the first leg, the Prague side produced an impressive comeback.
Following a spectacular turnaround, Sparta Prague’s footballers have qualified for the quarter-finals of the new Women’s Europa Cup. After losing 0-3 at home to Young Boys Bern in last week’s first leg, the Prague women won the return match in Switzerland 4-0, advancing to the last eight.
“An excellent performance – and equally fantastic result from our girls! Thanks to an incredible comeback, they will continue in UEFA competition this spring,” club manager Tomáš Křivda posted on X.
After the first leg at Letná in Prague, it looked unlikely that the domestic league leaders would advance following a 0-3 defeat. However, in Bern, the Czech side turned the tie around in the first half. Andrea Černá scored the opening goal after 15 minutes, followed by Khýrová, who scored twice more. The match seemed destined for extra time, but in the third minute of stoppage time, Khýrová completed her hat-trick, securing Sparta Prague’s place in the quarter-finals. There, the Prague side will face Austria Wien in February, who had twice defeated RSC Anderlecht from Brussels.
“It was a fantastic game full of emotions. Especially at the end, what we achieved was incredible. I think this is the biggest game of my career,” Khýrová said after the match.
The Women’s Europa Cup is a new addition to the football calendar this season. The main round is contested by 16 teams in a knockout format. Alongside the already established Women’s Champions League, the Women’s Europa Cup is being held for the first time this year. Sparta Prague are the last Czech representatives in European competition.
Women’s Europa Cup Round of 16, second leg:
Young Boys Bern – Sparta Prague 0-4 (0-3)
Goals: 15. Černá, 18., 36., 90+3 Khýrová
