Analysis The numbers behind the result
Clinical Hradec Králové punish Tromso despite possession deficit
Hradec Králové's 3-1 victory was justified by their superior efficiency, converting three of their three shots on target compared to Tromso's three shots on goal from seven total attempts. Despite Tromso dominating possession (58%) and corners (6-3), Hradec capitalised on key moments: van Buren's 30th-minute equaliser, Sloncik's swift second-half opener (48'), and Mihalik's decisive strike (53') after assists from Kucera and Horak.
Tromso's early lead through Larsen (25') masked their lack of cutting edge, with three blocked shots highlighting Hradec's organised defence. The Czech side's 42% possession was a deliberate strategy, as their 100% shot conversion rate (3/3 on target) dwarfed Tromso's 43% (3/7). Van Buren was pivotal with a goal and assist before his 62nd-minute substitution, while a disallowed Mihalik goal (68') showed their continued threat on counters.
The defining stat was shot efficiency – Hradec required just four total attempts (3 on target) to Tromso's seven (3 on target), proving more ruthless in decisive moments.