Manchester United loanee Matej Kovar suffered a heavy first defeat with Sparta Prague after being on the receiving end of a 4-0 derby drubbing against Slavia Prague.
The 22-year-old returned to his homeland and joined the Czech Republic giants on a season-long loan at the start of last month.
Prior to last night’s Fortuna Liga clash, Kovar had started all five of Sparta’s league matches and had yet to taste defeat.
Heading into the derby, Sparta had won three consecutive league matches, but Brian Priske’s side were taken apart by their fierce rivals.
From his previous five appearances, Kovar had conceded six goals and registered one clean sheet, but he couldn’t prevent his loan side from having a chastening evening.
Matej Kovar suffers heavy first defeat with Sparta Prague
Prior to embarking on a loan spell in the Czech top-flight, Kovar’s other temporary moves away from Old Trafford having come in the English Football League with Swindon Town and Burton Albion.
Kovar will be relishing playing regular senior football in a top European league.
His experience and development will only benefit if he continues to be Sparta’s number one for the duration of the season.
Kovar will then want to shine in next summer’s UEFA European Under-21 Championships before returning to Carrington and seeing where he falls within Erik ten Hag’s pecking order.
The youngster produced a stunning save during the international break to help Czech Republic qualify for the UEFA Under-21 European Championships.
Priske has previously dubbed Kovar the “future of Czech football” and has expressed his delight in signing United’s talented prospect.
Having been on the receiving end of a battering in the Slavia derby, Kovar and his teammates will be keen to ensure they back to winning ways at the first attempt.
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