Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 2-1 after first-half goals from Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres. Wiktor Nowak’s late reply followed a much stronger second half from the hosts. Arsenal claimed their third league-phase win, with goalkeeper David Raya and a goal-line clearance helping them protect a lead that had looked comfortable before the interval.
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Madueke and Gyökeres build the lead
Arsenal won 2-1 away to Czech club Slavia Prague in the Champions League, with Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres scoring before half-time. The English visitors collected their third victory of the league phase. Wiktor Nowak pulled a goal back in the 90th minute after Slavia had put Arsenal under sustained pressure throughout the second half.[1], [2]
Madueke opened the scoring after Gyökeres sent him through on goal. The Swedish striker then combined with Mikel Merino and curled in Arsenal’s second. UEFA’s technical observers selected Gyökeres as Player of the Match, crediting his goal, assist and success in transitional duels. They said his influence had increased as the first half progressed.[1], [2]
Slavia change shape and press higher
Slavia coach Jindřich Trpišovský described an honest half-time discussion followed by substitutions and a change of formation. He said his players had given Arsenal too much space and respect before the interval, then defended much closer to their opponents. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya likewise said Slavia pressed higher and with greater intensity after the restart.[1]
Raya said Arsenal lost possession too often, particularly in the attacking third, leaving players running back towards their own goal. Manager Mikel Arteta felt the first-half chances could have yielded a lead of three or four goals. He said his side then struggled to control Slavia’s response and spent the opening of the second half on the back foot.[1]
Nowak scores late as Arsenal hold on
Nowak said he followed his coach’s instruction to get into the penalty area and waited for David Jurásek’s cross. His finish was his first Champions League goal and Slavia’s first UEFA home goal against Arsenal. The hosts had previously gone five successive European home matches against English clubs without scoring. Nowak welcomed the goal but expressed disappointment at the defeat.[1]
Arsenal extended their unbeaten Champions League run to 19 matches, made up of 14 wins and five draws. That sequence includes last season’s final against Paris Saint-Germain: the match finished 1-1 before Arsenal lost on penalties. Slavia midfielder Michal Sadílek said his team had created opportunities to take a point in the second half but had failed to use them.[1]
