But DZ were strong too. And after a run of games which saw the team gradually starting to uncover their footballing identity it was the perfect night to hit your stride. And did they ever.

In an engaging first half both teams probed and pushed with DZ keeping hold of the ball for long periods, moving it confidently around the pitch, frustrating their opposition. However there were few clear cut chances until a ten minute spell towards the end of the first half when it was Partisan who had their best moments.

First testing a resolute keeper, Stephane Gelin, who parried a well struck shot around the post, followed by two goal bound efforts from set pieces, both cleared off the line. But any score against them at this stage would have been harsh on the hosts who were playing some lovely stuff and so with the break came a 0-0 scoreline which was no more than Zizkov deserved.

In the second half though Dynamo stepped up their passing game and it became a joy for the footballing purest. Partisan’s players, growing increasingly frustrated, chased shadows for long periods as DZ delivered a footballing lesson.

Gelin distributing from the back via the solid central defensive partnership of Tsagkaris and Pelissier. Through Keller, Etame and Cadete in midfield up to Lopez in attack. But in naming these players it must be noted the quality was there from every position on the field. To a man DZ were excellent and it was almost inevitable this standard of play would reap its reward.

And so it came when substitute Jalley headed home, unchallenged, from a corner.

Partisan pushed on once more but this gave the sweet passing DZ space to capitalise and Jalley, who was having an absolute blinder of a match, scored with two carbon copy strikes. Both times sweeping the ball across the keeper into the bottom right hand corner. The second of which, a solo effort, he started in his own half.

And so as the niggly fouls against them mounted up, DZ remained committed to pass and move football. Just the sort of response one would have hoped for. The final whistle brought to an end a fantastic night’s football and everyone was friends again… as it should be.

Dynamo walked off deservedly 3-0 victors setting the tone for the upcoming festivities and their 20year anniversary party this Saturday. And if such a delightfully pure footballing performance is anything to go by the club is in rude health… bring on another 20 years.

Report by Dynamo Žižkov