Czech Republic round-up: Slovan leave Sparta behind

FC Slovan Liberec moved three points clear of AC Sparta Praha at the top of the Czech first division on Monday with a 3-0 victory over FK Jablonec 97.
 
Koloušek shows his class
Václav Koloušek was by far the most effective player on the pitch and was involved in both Slovan's first-half goals. It was his corner that Jan Nezmar headed home in the 35th minute for his 12th league goal of the season and seven minutes later Koloušek's free-kick took a deflection to surprise the former international goalkeeper Petr Kouba.

Future unclear
Koloušek is on loan from the Italian club Salernitana Sport until the end of the season and his future remains unclear, but on this form Slovan would be keen to hang on to him.

Neat one-two
Jiri Štajner, Slovan's top scorer, exchanged a neat one-two with Nezmar and sealed the victory in last minute with his 14th goal of the season.

Unhappy hunting ground
Jablonec, whose defence have been marvellously mean this season, had not lost away from home since November prior to this match but Slovan's U Nisy stadium has not proved a happy hunting ground for Jablonec players over the years as they have lost six and drawn one of their previous seven visits.

Beating of Sparta
Slovan, who have never finished higher than fourth in the league, have beaten the defending champions Sparta twice this season which could prove decisive with just five games to play. The top two clubs will both enter qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.