Vlašim vs Kladno

Vlašim struck first when Samuel Pikolon capitalised on a defensive error in the 22nd minute to slot home and give the hosts the lead. The advantage lasted just 15 minutes. Kladno's Brazilian creator Marco Tulio — on trial at the club — delivered a cross from a well-worked pressing sequence, and Hynek Hruška finished calmly to make it 1-1 in the 37th minute.

Five minutes later, Tulio turned provider again, this time setting up captain Tadeáš Pospíšil, who gave Kladno a 2-1 lead on the stroke of half-time.

Vlašim emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Substitute Dominik Soukeník levelled the score in the 60th minute, and neither side could find a winner in the final half-hour.

The 42nd-minute goal by Pospíšil — Kladno's second in five minutes — turned the match decisively in the visitors' favour after Vlašim had controlled the opening quarter. But Vlašim's half-time adjustments, including the introduction of Soukeník, restored parity within 15 minutes of the restart.

Tadeáš Pospíšil (Kladno) — The captain scored the go-ahead goal and anchored the midfield. One of the players Kladno secured on a long-term contract after promotion (per chnliga.cz).

Marco Tulio (Kladno) — The Brazilian trialist registered two assists (Hruška 37', Pospíšil 42'), continuing his impressive pre-season form after also scoring a stunning equaliser against 1. FC Nürnberg II earlier in preparation (chnliga.cz).

Dominik Soukeník (Vlašim) — The substitute's 60th-minute equaliser rescued a draw for Vlašim, who had looked vulnerable defensively in the first half.

Player of the Match: Marco Tulio (Kladno) — two assists in the space of five minutes, directly responsible for both Kladno goals.

The 2-2 scoreline masks a game of two distinct phases. Vlašim dominated the opening 20 minutes and took a deserved lead through Pikolon. But Kladno's response — two goals in five first-half minutes — showcased the quick transitions the newly-promoted side will need in the second tier. Vlašim's half-time changes, particularly Soukeník's introduction, rebalanced the contest, and the second half was more evenly contested. The match was played at a neutral venue (Kácov), which likely contributed to the open, even nature of the contest.

Both sides are deep in pre-season preparation for the 2026/27 Chance Národní Liga season. Vlašim, an established second-tier side, continued their pre-season campaign with a mixed performance after previous wins against Dukla Prague (2-1), Slavia Prague (2-1), and Králův Dvůr (4-0). Vlašim later lost 5-3 to Domažlice on 18 July.

For Kladno, the draw continued an unbeaten pre-season run against Czech opposition. The newcomers — who earned promotion from the ČFL (third tier) — have been undergoing a major squad rebuild, with over 20 trialists tested during the summer (chnliga.cz). After this match, Kladno beat Hapoel Rishon Lezion 2-0 and Chomutov 4-1 on 18 July.

Vlašim next: Domažlice (A) — 18 July (already played, lost 5-3). Chance Národní Liga season starts 31 July vs Karviná (A).

Kladno next: Hapoel Rishon Lezion (H) — 18 July (already played, won 2-0). Chance Národní Liga season starts 31 July vs Opava (H).

A competitive pre-season workout that told a different story for each side. Vlašim's first-half defensive lapses against a well-organised Kladno counterattack will concern coach David Střihavka, but the quick response after half-time showed resilience. For Kladno, the performance — particularly Tulio's creative influence — suggests they are adapting faster than expected to the step up in quality. The 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of a balanced contest.