FC Vysočina Jihlava started their 2026-27 Chance Národní Liga campaign with a frustrating 2-1 home defeat to Fotbal Příbram on Friday night, as the visitors overturned an early deficit to take all three points at a rain-soaked Stadion v Jiráskově ulici. The result hands Příbram an early psychological edge in what promises to be a tightly contested second-tier season.

Fast start from Jihlava, but Příbram roar back

Jihlava came flying out of the blocks and deservedly took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. A well-worked move down the left flank ended with a composed finish past the Příbram goalkeeper, sending the home supporters into full voice. For long stretches of the first half, the Vysočina midfield controlled possession and looked the more dangerous side, forcing a series of corners and half-chances that went unconverted.

However, Příbram showed the resilience that typically defines successful Národní Liga outfits. The equaliser arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when a loose clearance inside the Jihlava box was pounced upon and hammered into the bottom corner. The momentum shifted visibly, and Příbram began to grow in confidence, asking far more questions of the home defence as the first half drew to a close.

Decisive second half

After the interval, Jihlava attempted to reclaim control but were repeatedly met by a compact Příbram block. The match turned decisively just past the hour mark when a swift counter-attack caught Jihlava stretched, allowing Příbram to slot home their second and take the lead for the first time. The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with a flurry of late pressure and a header that brushed the crossbar, but the Příbram backline held firm under a late siege.

The final whistle confirmed a valuable away victory for Fotbal Příbram, who will take great heart from their comeback. For Jihlava, the focus now shifts to bouncing back quickly, as dropping points at home in a notoriously competitive division can prove costly in the race for playoff positions.

Early implications for the Národní Liga standings

• Příbram move to three points from their opening fixture and early positive momentum.
• Jihlava will be rueing missed chances after leading and controlling long periods.
• The Národní Liga remains one of Europe's most unpredictable second divisions, where every home point matters.

Both sides will be back in league action next week, with Jihlava hoping to put their opening-day disappointment behind them and Příbram aiming to build on a gritty performance that suggests they could be a factor near the top of the table this season.