Žilina newcomers make their mark

MŠK Žilina's preparations for the UEFA Champions League kicked off in style on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over FC Artmedia Petržalka in the Slovakian Super Cup.

Šesták double
Stanislav Šesták scored both goals for the champions, winning the match with a spectacular volley in the closing stages, as Žilina used the occasion to introduce Peter Kiška and Ivan Bartoš, two of six new signings, into their starting lineup.

Kiska debut
Midfield player Kiška, signed from FK ZTS Dubnica, and striker Bartoš, who joined from FK Dukla Banská Bystrica, both made their debuts in an impressive performance from Žilina who have their sights firmly set on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie at home to Romanian champions FC Dinamo Bucuresti on 28 July.

Nemec steps up
Kiška, 23, scored 19 goals in 104 league games over three seasons with Dubnica, and is one of three players to have joined Žilina from Dubnica during the summer. Adam Nemec arrives after impressing during his first season in the top flight, the 18-year-old striker scoring eight times in just 17 league appearances. Another forward, Luboš Cervenec, meanwhile, returns to Žilina after six months on loan at Dubnica.

Bartos arrival
The club's other new recruits are midfield player Mário Pecalka and defender Miloš Krško, both signed from ŠK Slovan Bratislava. On the way out of Žilina, meanwhile, are Martin Fabus, Andre Adelardo, Radoslav Zábavník and Daniel Kosmel who have all left the club.