Poprad HC defeated Dukla Trenčín 5:4 in the Tatras Cup on 30 August 2026. The result came as a surprise given the form both sides carried into Saturday's fixture. The home side claimed all three points after a hard-fought contest.
Poprad sat second in the table with two wins from two games. Dukla led the standings with the same record — two victories, no defeats. The visitors had entered as slight favourites on paper.
By then the momentum had shifted. Poprad moved level on points with the leaders after extending their winning streak to three matches. The goal difference now favours the home side.
Poprad had been on a good run prior to this game. They beat HC 19 Humenné 4:2 on 29 August and drew with Dukla 6:0 the day before. A 5:4 win over Katowice on 20 August had ended a barren spell against Polish opposition.
Dukla's recent form had been equally impressive. They secured a 6:0 victory over Dukla on 29 August and saw off Humenné 6:3 on 28 August. A narrow 2:1 win against Zlín on 26 August showed they could grind out results when needed.
Both clubs remain unbeaten this season after two matches each. The table now reads as a tight contest between two sides that have only beaten each other once. Poprad hold the tie in their own hands after this result.