Slovakia round-up: Slovan slump ends European dream

Four-time champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava ended the season in disappointing fashion with a 5-2 reverse against city rivals AŠK Inter Bratislava, which ensured they will not be in European competition next season.

Terrible week
After leading the table by eleven points at the midwinter break, Slovan's title hopes were ended last Saturday by a 2-1 loss against MŠK Žilina, who lifted the crown in their place. Tuesday's result capped a terrible week, as it allowed FC Artmedia Petrzalka to secure second position - and a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

No answer
Despite taking the lead, Slovan had no real answer to a rampant Inter, for whom Alias Elery Lembakoali (twice), Miroslav Drobňák, Radovan Kocúrek and Peter Mráz were all on target. Meanwhile, Artmedia Petržalka won 1-0 at FK ZTS Dubnica to secure a berth in the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history. Tomáš Medved's 58th-minute goal capped the finest season's in the club's history.

Púchov lose
ŠKM Púchov, also assured of a place in next season's UEFA Cup as Slovak Cup winners, ended their campaign with a disappointing 4-0 loss against FC Spartak Trnava. If the rumours are to be believed the match may have been the last at Púchov for their Czech coach František Komňacký who is said to be on the verge of a switch to FC Baník Ostrava in his homeland.

Trencín future in doubt
FK Laugaricio Trencín led three times in their game against 1. FC Košice, but the division's bottom club fought back on each occasion to secure a 3-3 draw. Troubled Trenčín may yet join Košice in dropping out of the top-flight due to their financial problems - a final decision will be made by 26 June, with first division runners-up FC Steel Trans Ličartovce ready to take Trenčín's place.

Mintál top of the table
Finally, champions Žilina ended their season by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 against MŠK Ruzomberok. Richard Varadin and Marek Mintál scored Žilina's goals - with the latter's strike ensuring he finished level with club mate Martin Fabuš at the top of the division's top-scorers' table with 20 goals.