Viktoria will kick off the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by the U.S. Army with a match against Prague Dukla

Viktorka will start this year's 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen with a thematic duel against Prague Dukla, which will close the regular season. On Saturday 19 April, a rich accompanying programme in cooperation with the Czech Army will be waiting for visitors in Štruncové sady.

A special fanzone has been prepared by Viktoria Plzeň in cooperation with the Czech Army. There will be combat vehicles, such as the Dingo 2 armoured vehicle or the Pandur II armoured personnel carrier, the army will show close combat or a good portion of goulash for the first thousand who arrive. And with the stew, of course, beer on tap!

But the highlight will of course be waiting inside the stadium. War veterans' awards, a performance by the Band of the Army of the Czech Republic and a flyover by the Air Force of the Army of the Czech Republic. And last but not least, the last league round of the regular season against Dukla Prague. Fanzone with the Czech Army starts at 12:30.

On May 6, 1945, the 16th Armored Division, which was part of General Patton's Third Army, appeared in Pilsen and ended the occupation by Nazi Germany. This year we celebrate eighty years since this important milestone in our city's history.

"All of us in our club feel tremendous pride and honor to be a part of the momentous 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by the U.S. Army. Therefore, we have made every effort to prepare a memorable program for this special match. At the same time, I would like to thank the Statutory City of Pilsen and the Army of the Czech Republic for their cooperation, thanks to which we can provide our fans with more than just a football experience," says Adolf Šádek, CEO of the club and Chairman of the Board of Viktoria Plzeň.

"This year's Festival of Freedom will be extraordinary and I am very happy that Viktorka Plzeň is joining the 80th anniversary. Together, we will pay tribute to those who put their most precious possessions on the line for our freedom. Their lives. On this occasion, I invite all Pilseners to the Match of Freedom, because not only will we experience a great atmosphere before the upcoming celebrations, but we will also support Viktorka in the fight for the best possible position in the league table," continues Roman Zarzycký, the Mayor of Pilsen.

"We see the connection between football and the Army of the Czech Republic as a strong gesture that appeals to the general public and reminds us of the values that underpin today's world. We are happy to be part of the Match of Freedom, to participate in the pre-match programme and to let the fans take a look behind the scenes of our army. We are pleased that our cooperation will continue in the future," adds Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč.

Information source: https://www.fcviktoria.cz/