Plzen vs FC Copenhagen

The match was barely eight minutes old when Plzen took the lead. Cheick Souaré, the Mali-born forward, found the net with a normal goal after a bright start from the Czech side. The opener came despite midfielder S. Boháč picking up an early yellow card in the fourth minute.

Plzen carried that 1-0 advantage into half-time, having controlled the opening period. Copenhagen made six changes at the break, signalling their intent to rotate heavily in pre-season conditions — Youssoufa Moukoko replaced Andreas Cornelius, while Thomas Delaney, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, and others entered the fray.

The wholesale changes paid off six minutes after the restart. William Clem, who had been introduced at the interval, equalised for the Danish side in the 51st minute, finishing calmly to make it 1-1.

Both managers emptied their benches in the 60th minute. Plzen made seven further substitutions, while Copenhagen brought on another four fresh legs. The final half-hour was predictably disjointed, with neither side able to find a winner.

Copenhagen's six half-time substitutions changed the game's complexion. The first XI had struggled to contain Plzen's early rhythm, but the fresh legs — particularly Clem's introduction in midfield — gave the visitors more control and a route back into the match. Clem's 51st-minute equaliser justified Jacob Neestrup's rotation gamble.

Cheick Souaré (Plzen) — Scored the opener with a composed finish in the eighth minute. The forward was a handful for Copenhagen's defence before being substituted on the hour mark.

William Clem (Copenhagen) — The decisive figure in the second half. Introduced at the break, he scored the equaliser within six minutes of his arrival and helped stabilise the midfield.

Matej Vydra (Plzen) — The experienced striker came on at half-time and provided a focal point, though he could not add to his pre-season goal tally.

The 1-1 scoreline reflected a game of two halves. Plzen's early goal and first-half control suggested dominance, but Copenhagen's deep squad rotation — 11 substitutes used in total — shifted the balance after the break. Both teams' heavy use of substitutions (Plzen made nine changes across the match) meant the second half lacked the rhythm of the first, typical of a pre-season friendly where fitness takes priority over result.

The score matched the most likely draw outcome (1-1 at 10.8% probability per pre-match analysis), and both teams scoring was always the likelier result at 61.52%. The 4.5 goals per game average from previous H2H meetings proved misleading — this was a far more restrained affair.

The draw extends Plzen's unbeaten record against Copenhagen to four matches (three wins, one draw). For the Czech side, it continues a pre-season that has seen draws with Spartak Trnava (1-1 on 1 July) and now Copenhagen, following a 4-2 win over Lisen. Copenhagen's pre-season form remains strong — they had beaten Mjallby 5-3 on 27 June and won four of their last five competitive games to end the Danish Superliga season.

Plzen's next pre-season fixture is unconfirmed at the time of writing. Copenhagen continue their preparations ahead of the new Danish Superliga campaign.

A typical pre-season friendly: sharp in spells, disjointed in others, and ultimately decided by squad rotation. Plzen will be the happier with the first-half performance; Copenhagen with the second. Neither side will read much into the result with fitness and integration the clear priorities.