Nike League: Reactions to Dunajská Streda vs. Slovan Bratislava Match

Artur Gajdoš played the best match since his arrival in Slovan Bratislava.

The 22-year-old midfielder was the man of the match in the 19th round of the Nike League in Dunajská Streda, when he scored two goals in a 3-0 victory for the reigning champions. Slovan deservedly won, they were clearly better and dominated the DAC field.

Gajdoš’s performance is all the more important given that he had only played seven league games in the spring part of the season, of which only four times in the starting line-up.

He had only 382 minutes in total. He didn’t score a goal, he didn’t have an assist. In Dunajská Streda, however, he showed why he was talked about as a great talent – and why he can be the leader of the Slovak champion.

“I felt that I was in good shape. I couldn’t have imagined the match better. I am very happy that we confirmed that we are the best,” declared Gajdoš in the mixone.

A chance after a long time

Slovan took the lead already in the 12th minute, when Slovan took advantage of a quick counterattack, which Gajdoš coolly finished off.

“I gave him a chance after a long time. He had health problems and completed the entire training. Today I decided on him. This is how I would imagine him,” praised Slovan coach Vladimír Weiss senior.

“I keep telling him that he knows how to play football. If he runs more, like today, he will be a valid player,” he added.

Gajdoš was everywhere – active, brave, dangerous. His performance was also appreciated by the Transfermarkt portal, which gave him the highest grade of 9.4.

“Gajdoš was the best player on the field,” admitted Weiss.

“He went on loan, sat on the bench. But it was due to the fact that I wanted more from him. He has the talent for it. He sees the field, has an excellent first touch. He has to play like today to be a stable player,” coach Gajdoša praised.

“His nature is that he takes criticism harder. But now he took it well and sensed a chance,” added Weiss.

In his position a few days ago, Slovan acquired Niko Jankovič from HNK Rijeka. “I will try to be number one, to be better than my competition,” added Gajdoš.

Pyrotechnics, penalty and Trnovský

The match was watched by 9301 spectators. After the opening goal, however, there was a more than 15-minute interruption due to low visibility caused by pyrotechnics. After returning to the pitch, the home team could have equalized from the penalty spot, but Ammar Ramadan failed.

Goalkeeper Martin Trnovský, who replaced the injured unit Dominik Takač, caught his attempt. The shot was very weak and poorly placed.

This moment was also crucial for the development of the match.

Red card and decided duel

Slovan was already better up to that point, but finally broke the home team’s resistance in the second half, when DAC finished weak after Julien Bation’s red card (49th minute). From that moment on, the guests were in full control of the match and added more goals.

“An important victory – after a good tactical performance. We were patient and we covered the zones well. Dunajská Streda lost 0:3, but they played excellently. They played what I expected from them. It was decided after the red card. It is a very important victory for the well-being of the team,” assessed Weiss.

“It was an excellent match for the people. We are happy for the responsible performance,” he added.

Slav as sprinkled with living water

While in the fall the Slavists seemed burnt out in places, in the first round of spring they looked like they were sprinkled with living water. It stood out all the more that Slovan won completely convincingly on the ground of the biggest rival.

It is interesting that even before the match, the confident words of DAC executive director Jan Van Daele were heard:

“I feel that our team is ready to fight for the top ranks, because our ambitions must be the highest. Since Fodrek took over the team (November 2024, editor’s note), we have lost only three games.”

These words seemed to motivate the Slavists even more. On the field, they clearly showed who is the reigning champion.

Slovan also won the first home match with DAC this season – 3:2.

Weiss the younger came to life, experience decided

The 36-year-old captain Vladimír Weiss junior also played an excellent match. In the autumn part, he scored neither a goal nor an assist, but he was one of the best against DAC. He added an assist, was extremely active and looked ten years younger.

Coach Weiss also highlighted other players:

“DAC has a good team, there are younger boys than ours. Vlado (Weiss, editor’s note) also played excellently today, Kucharević, Nino Marcelli did a lot of work. We have quality and huge experience.”

Slovan in the lead, DAC still a rival

With the victory, the Slavs maintained their lead in the table and are four points ahead of DAC.

“The league is just getting started, DAC is still our biggest rival in the fight for the title. We were compact at the back. Trnovský held us, which was a decisive moment,” added Weiss.

Trnovský replaced Dominik Takač in goal, who has been injured for several weeks. His ankle is bothering him. “Taki will have some work to do to get back in goal. He’s a unit, but Trno gave an excellent performance,” declared Weiss.

Slovan deservedly won in Dunajská Streda, he was better in every way – and Artur Gajdoš finally showed why a lot is expected of him.

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