Spartak Trnava secured a 2:0 victory against Zemplin Michalovce at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium. The fixture was part of the Regular Season round four on 16 August. The hosts took all three points, extending their unbeaten run in the league.
By then, the visitors were under significant pressure. And here's the thing: Zemplin had a goal disallowed for offside in the 46th minute. D. Poltak's effort was ruled out just before the break, a moment that shifted the momentum entirely. Spartak held their shape and waited for the right opportunity.
The breakthrough came in the final quarter of the game. P. Azango scored in the 88th minute, and T. Kudlicka added a second in the 90th. A third effort by Kudlicka was recorded in the 90+6th minute, adding to the late drama. The visitors had been reduced to ten men earlier, which made defending difficult.
To be fair, Zemplin sat deep and defended well for long periods. They made 41 clearances compared to Spartak's 15, showing how hard they pushed back. Spartak controlled the ball with 56 per cent possession, but they struggled to break down the low block until the final minutes.
The turning point in the second half arrived in the 82nd minute. P. Volanakis received a red card, leaving the hosts with ten men. By then, Zemplin had a chance to equalise, but E. Sabo missed the penalty. It was a moment that sealed the outcome for the home side.
Spartak remain in second place with 13 points from six games. They have won four, drawn one and lost one. Zemplin sit sixth with seven points, three points clear of the relegation zone.