In the Czech MOL Cup, Lithuanian winger Artūr Dolžnikov scored a goal, helping Sigma Olomouc reach their first MOL Cup final since the 2011/2012 season by defeating Baník Ostrava 3-2.
In the previous round, Dolžnikov’s Sigma Olomouc eliminated one of the competition’s favorites – Slavia Prague – with a 1-0 victory, while Ostrava also advanced by beating Jablonec by the same scoreline. Ostrava heading into this game has been in good form as they have not lost an official game since February 16.
The game was emotional, with high stakes, and the first major incident occurred early in the first half when Ostrava defender Frydrych injured Sigma Olomouc leader and Czech national team forward Kliment with a tackle from behind. After a VAR check, Frydrych received a red card, leaving Ostrava with ten players.
Despite being a man down, Ostrava took the lead in the 24th minute when Matej Síň scored a tap-in goal. However, at the end of the first half, Filip Zorvan equalized for Olomouc.
At the start of the second half, it was Dolžnikov’s time to shine. The Lithuanian winger received the ball at the edge of the box and took a shot that found the bottom left corner. This was his second goal in his seventh appearance for the first team since moving from FK Kauno Žalgiris.
However, the lead did not last long, as Ostrava equalized just four minutes later with a goal from Tomáš Rigo. Nonetheless, Sigma Olomouc regained the lead once again when the referee called a handball, resulting in a penalty kick. Filip Zorvan, who had scored the first goal, converted the penalty, putting Sigma Olomouc ahead 3-2.
In the remaining time, both teams received one more red card, bringing the total to three for the match. Ostrava was unable to find another equalizer, allowing Artūr Dolžnikov’s Sigma Olomouc to reach the MOL Cup final for the first time since the 2011/2012 season, where they will face either Viktoria Plzeň or Sparta Prague.
Dolžnikov started the game and, for the first time since his transfer, played the entire match. He also received a yellow card in the second half.
The next match for Dolžnikov and Sigma Olomouc will take place in just a few days, on Saturday, when they host Slavia Prague to kick off the Championship Group matches.