Slavia Bratislava produced a comprehensive victory over Slavia Nitra-Hrenova, winning 8-0 in the Round of 128 of the Cup on Tuesday. The match, played on September 2nd, saw the visitors impose themselves from the opening exchanges and never look back. It was a result that reflected the gulf in quality between the two sides, though the margin was perhaps steeper than anyone expected.
L. Hofstadter opened the scoring in the seventh minute, setting the tone for what followed. R. Ibrahim doubled the advantage four minutes later, before A. Maros got on the scoresheet in the 17th. Maros would add a second just before the half-hour mark, and Hofstadter made it five before the break with a goal in the 35th minute. By then, the hosts had switched off at the back and were paying the price.
A. Maros completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, putting the score beyond doubt before any chance of recovery. M. Kianga added the eighth and final goal in the 49th minute, ensuring the visitors went into the break with maximum confidence. The goals came thick and fast, and there is unrest in the dressing room at Nitra-Hrenova after such a performance.
Slavia Bratislava had not won since their last fixture before this match, but they are closing in on a deal with this display. The visitors came in with mixed form — a loss to Zemplin Michalovce, followed by victories over Cele and Kosice, and a draw with Cele. This result suggests they fancy their chances in the cup tie going forward.
The scoreline leaves Slavia Nitra-Hrenova with a reputation to rebuild after a dismal showing. Their recent record includes defeats to Slovan Dushlo Shalya, Velky Cetin, Kalna nad Hronom, and Velke Zaluzye. The goal difference will not help matters, and the club must reflect on what went wrong in such a short space of time.
