Slovan Bratislava Edge Spartak Trnava in Slovak Derby as Barseghjan Scores Late Winner
ŠK Slovan Bratislava claimed a vital 1-0 victory over FC Spartak Trnava in the Niké Liga championship group derby at Stadion Anton Malatinského on April 26, 2026, extending their unbeaten run to five matches and strengthening their lead at the top of the table.
The lone goal came in the first-half stoppage time when Arthur Barseghjan finished off a swift counterattack initiated by midfielder Grigor Gajdoš. The Armenian forward latched onto a through ball and slipped the ball past Spartak goalkeeper Dominik Takáč to give Slovan the lead just before halftime.
Spartak Trnava began the match with energy and created several early chances. Midfielder Lukáš Pauš had an effort saved by Slovan goalkeeper Matúš Takáč in the opening minutes, while defender Martin Mikovič saw a header go narrowly wide following a corner kick. Though, Slovan gradually asserted control as the half progressed, with winger Ivan Cruz and playmaker Daniel Pokorný dictating tempo in midfield.
The decisive moment arrived in the 45th minute plus two seconds of added time. After winning possession in Spartak’s half, Gajdoš drove forward and played a precise pass to Barseghjan, who made a intelligent run behind the defense. The Slovan striker took one touch to control the ball before finishing low past Takáč’s outstretched hand.
Despite trailing, Spartak Trnava pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half. Substitute Martin Ďuriš came close with a header from a corner that rattled the crossbar, while Azango had two clear-cut chances inside the six-yard box but failed to convert either. Slovan goalkeeper Matúš Takáč remained composed throughout, making key interventions to preserve the clean sheet.
Speaking after the match, Slovan head coach Vladimír Weiss Sr. Praised his team’s discipline and mental strength, particularly given the absence of two key attackers. “We were without our biggest star and top scorer Andraž Šporar, who remains injured and Nino Marcelli, who suffered a hamstring strain against Žilina and will be out for six to eight weeks,” Weiss said. “Yet the players showed character. We created our chances, defended well, and deserved the win.”
Weiss likewise reflected on the atmosphere and intensity of the fixture. “There were emotions, there were battles, and the atmosphere was incredible. Both teams had their moments, but we were the ones who took ours when it mattered most,” he added.
The result extends Slovan Bratislava’s unbeaten streak against Spartak Trnava in league competition to six consecutive victories, a run that underscores their dominance in one of Slovak football’s fiercest rivalries. With the win, Slovan increased their lead at the top of the Niké Liga championship group to seven points over second-placed DAC Dunajská Streda.
Spartak Trnava, meanwhile, remain in third place, five points behind DAC and now facing mounting pressure to regain form ahead of crucial fixtures. The loss was compounded by the first-half dismissal of defender Martin Mikovič, who received a second yellow card for a challenge on Slovan’s Blackman, leaving the hosts to play over half the match with ten men.
Looking ahead, Slovan Bratislava will aim to maintain their momentum when they host FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce in their next league fixture. Spartak Trnava will travel to face MFK Zemplín Michalovce as they seek to bounce back from the derby defeat.
For fans wishing to follow the title race, official updates and match schedules are available through the Niké Liga’s website and the respective clubs’ digital platforms.
What did you think of the derby? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #SlovanTrnavaDerby.
