Czech Republic near Nations League promotion on Patrik Schick’s return

Schick scores and provides assist as Czechs move top of Group B2 with 2-1 win in Georgia

Patrik Schick marked his return to the Czech Republic team with a goal and an assist as they moved top of their Nations League group with a 2-1 win over Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday.

Schick, who missed the Czechs' June matches through injury, levelled the scores in the 30th minute after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had given Georgia an early lead.

Jakub Pesek scored the winner early in the second half and the Czechs held on for victory to move one point ahead of Georgia at the top of Group B2 with two games remaining.

Schick shines on return

Schick has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, and he showed his class against Georgia.

The 26-year-old striker equalised with a clinical finish after being played through by Jan Kuchta, and he then turned provider for Pesek's winner with a perfectly weighted pass.

Schick's performance was a timely reminder of his quality, and he will be key to the Czechs' hopes of securing promotion to League A.

Georgia rue missed chances

Georgia started the match brightly and took the lead through Kvaratskhelia, who is one of the most exciting young players in Europe.

However, the hosts failed to make the most of their chances and were punished by the Czechs.

Georgia remain in contention for promotion, but they will need to win their remaining matches against North Macedonia and Gibraltar.

Czech Republic on brink of promotion

The Czechs are now in a strong position to secure promotion to League A.

They face North Macedonia at home on Friday and then travel to Switzerland on Monday.

Two wins from those games will guarantee the Czechs top spot in the group.