Archbishop to bless Plzen players ahead of Barca clash

01 November 2011 09:00

The Archbishop of Prague Dominik Duka will bless the Viktoria Plzen before their daunting Champions League match with holders Barcelona on Tuesday, the prelate's spokesman told AFP.

Plzen are appearing in the Champions League group stage for the first time and will take some encouragement that they were not humiliated in Barcelona a fortnight ago when they lost 2-0.

However, the team - who have just a point after three matches - feel that it is best to seek some divine guidance ahead of the clash with the Catalan giants.

"Archbishop Dominik Duka has been invited to attend the match by Plzen," his spokesman Ales Pistora said.

"He will at this time have a private meeting with the players.

"He has equally been asked to bless the team. As far as I know, he will not refuse such a request."

It is not unfamiliar territory for Archbishop Duka as he has previously blown the whistle at the kick-off of a home match for Hradec Kralove, the town where he was born.

"The Archbishop is better known for his love of the Bible than a lover of sports but he likes football a lot," said Pistora.

"It is according to him like a piece of moving architecture, the importance of team play and collective thinking."

Source: AFP