The rivalry with Plzeň intensified in 2012. Sparta’s failure to capitalize on their financial superiority led to a complete overhaul in the summer, with coach Vítězslav Lavička being heavily criticized by the media for losing the "mental battle" against Vrba.
Taking place in the shadow of the Euro 2012 finals, the domestic league provided a platform for local talent to shine and for established stars to reaffirm their status. This article revisits the champions, the European qualifiers, the heartbreaking relegations, and the statistical marvels that defined the Elit Līga in 2012. elit liga 2012
2–2. The equalizer. But Vicke didn’t stop. The rivalry with Plzeň intensified in 2012