Latvian representatives Oskars Vientiess and Raimonds Krollis both saw their clubs progress to the next round of the Czech MOL Cup on Wednesday, as Teplice and Slovan Liberec avoided upsets against fourth-tier opposition.
Oskars Vientiess began on the bench for Teplice after starting each of the club’s first five Czech First League matches this season, all of them playing the full 90 minutes. Teplice travelled to face fourth-division side Krimice but were made to work hard for their place in the Round of 32.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute, but Krimice drew level in the 65th minute to threaten a cup upset. Just two minutes earlier, Vientiess had been introduced from the bench with Teplice still leading 1-0.
Teplice eventually regained control in the 75th minute when Jan Fortelny scored what proved to be the winning goal, sealing a 2-1 victory and a place in the next round of the competition.
Teplice now turn their attention back to league action, where they will host the Czech First League’s only remaining unbeaten side, Jablonec, on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Raimonds Krollis was not included in Slovan Liberec’s matchday squad as the club comfortably defeated fourth-tier side Prepere 2-0 away from home.
Slovan Liberec scored once in each half to secure a routine victory and advance to the next stage of the Czech Cup. They will also return to league action this weekend as the domestic season continues hosting Hradec Kralove on Sunday.
