Sparta Prague secured progression in the Round of 16 of the Champions Hockey League against Oceláři Třinec and advanced to the quarter-finals of the premier European competition for club teams in ice hockey with an aggregate score of 5-2.
What Sparta Prague began last week, they successfully concluded in this game, marking their return to the CHL quarter-finals for the first time since the 2021/22 season. The early stages of the match between the two Czech teams were marked by misplaced passes and icings (illegal long-range clears). However, both teams gradually found their rhythm as the first period progressed. Just 22 seconds before the buzzer, Valtteri Kemiläinen struck on the power play, extending the aggregate score to 5:1 and giving Sparta the lead in the second leg.
In the second period, Třinec, in desperate need of a response, struggled to maintain possession in the offensive zone. Sparta’s defence effectively closed gaps and forced the hosts to operate on the periphery of the attacking zones.
The third period saw Třinec under mounting pressure, with their four-goal deficit remaining insurmountable. The hosts struggled to break out of their own half for extended stretches, allowing Sparta to generate multiple offensive opportunities.
As the game wore on, Třinec compounded their difficulties by conceding numerous penalties. A notable setback came when Petr Sikora was handed a disciplinary penalty, gifting Sparta several power plays, including a 5-on-3 advantage.
A late consolation came for Třinec through Patrik Voľaš, who deflected a shot from Marko Daňo at 57:41. However, the goal proved too little, too late. Třinec, who had finished the CHL group stage in fourth place, were eliminated in the Round of 16 for the second year running.
Sparta Prague will now face Sweden’s Växjö Lakers, who defeated Switzerland’s HC Fribourg-Gottéron in their Round of 16 matchup, in the quarter-finals.
For more information and results, visit the official website of the Champions Hockey League.
