We want to secure our promotion to Europe today, says Bílek. We will play actively, says coach

Viktoria Plzeň will play a key game of the season tonight. If they make it through, they will be assured of the European Cup group stage in the autumn. That would be a big relief for the club’s coffers.

Viktoria are currently in the second round of the Champions League. If it advances, not only will it be two preliminary rounds away from the dream millionaire competition, but it will also have the certainty of a Conference League group stage. If it advances through the third preliminary round of the LM, it would have the certainty of the Europa League.

And it took a big step towards regular group certainty last week. They beat HJK 2-1 in Helsinki, and even if you don’t count the goals scored on their opponents’ pitches, it’s still a great result.

In theory, Plzeň should be able to watch the game at the back and not concede a goal, something they are very strong at. But just defending the result is not what coach Michal Bílek wants.

“We will want to play actively. We’re not going into the game with the intention of defending the result, no way. We want to play as honestly as always at the back, but at the same time be dangerous up front,” said Pilsen coach Bílek at the press conference.

The Finnish team was relatively underestimated, but in the first match they showed that they will not give Plzeň anything for free. Before the rematch, they have to be very careful, because HJK will not give up.

“The first result is very good. It is not easy to win in the Champions League preliminary round on the opponent’s soil. However, we know that it will still be difficult. Helsinki showed us that they have great quality in the offensive department. But I believe we are well prepared,” Bílek thinks.

“It would be a pleasure, definitely, if we could advance further. After tomorrow we want to be sure of the European Cup group stage,” the 57-year-old coach urges his charges.

Source: FC Viktoria Plzeň