Champions League - Can Slavia Prague Stand Tall as Arsenal Come Calling on Matchday 4?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
Slavia Prague are still searching for their first win
After a disastrous showing in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League, which saw them finish in 30th place in the league phase standings, it appears the Czech giants, Slavia Prague, are set for another disappointing European campaign should they fail to up the ante.
Praha have made a less than satisfactory start to the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Having navigated three games so far, they've yet to win a game, recording two draws and a solitary loss. With two points to their name, they are 28th in the league phase standings and one point behind the knockout playoffs.
Obviously, this is a tough pill to swallow for their loyal fanbase, who expected a more convincing display from their club after a six-year absence from Europe's top-tier competition.
Last time out, the Red and Whites had to grind out a goalless draw against Italy's Atalanta on matchday three. The result was an impressive one, but on the other hand, it made matters worse for them, especially regarding their history in the main stage of the UEFA Champions League. It's now 14 outings without a win, recording eight losses and six draws.
Head coach Jindrich Trpisovsky, who acknowledged Arsenal as the best team in the world, is aware of the tough challenge that awaits his men. In fact, it is the Czech champions' record against English opposition, which is a deal breaker in their bid for a first win in this competition. Find out what our SportyTrader betting experts have to say in our Slavia Prague vs Arsenal prediction now. Against Mikel Arteta's side, they've crossed paths four times, recording two draws and two losses.
Check out their record against English clubs below:
- Matches played: 15
- Wins: 2
- Draws: 4
- Losses: 9
Arsenal: The clean sheet masters have maintained a 100% record
Arsenal are one of five teams in the UEFA Champions League (league phase) that have won each of their first three games. Their rock-solid defense has been a significant contributing factor to their success this season, as they've yet to concede a goal.
It comes as no surprise that they boast the defensive record in the competition, a title they share with Inter Milan, who are ahead of them in third place.
Arsenal have maintained a shutout in ten of their last 14 UEFA Champions League (league phase) matches.
The Gunners' recent match saw them outclass Atletico Madrid in a 4-0 home thrashing. Viktor Gyokeres, who has been the primary attacking outlet and is expected to miss this one due to an injury, bagged a brace in that impressive display.
That victory was somewhat of an achievement as it marked their 100th win in the UEFA Champions League proper. When it comes to their record against Czech opposition, they have not failed to impress. Tuesday's meeting marks their 11th meeting against such a side and will aim to maintain their ten-match unbeaten run, consisting of eight wins and two draws.
Check out Mikel Arteta's record against Slavia Prague:
- Matches played: 2
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Losses: 0
- Goal difference: 5-1
Players to watch out for:
Tomas Chory played a very important role in guiding Slavia Prague to its eighth Czech league title last season. He is finishing as the third top goalscorer, and across all competitions, he has 20 goals to his name. This season has been a slow start with three goals in 11 appearances. However, the 30-year-old will be hungry to get his name on the scoreboard and put an end to Arsenal's clean sheet streak.
Gabriel Martinelli - unavailable but worth mentioning - has not been a regular starter for Arsenal this season. He has given his all when introduced, especially in the UEFA Champions League, scoring in three consecutive matches. All eyes will be on Declan Rice, the best set-piece taker. He has created ten set-piece assists, a run that stretches to January 2024, and could be a threat in dead-ball situations.
