Historic Triumph for Slovan Bratislava: A Place in the Champions League Secured!
Slovakia’s storied football club, ŠK Slovan Bratislava, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Denmark’s formidable FC Midtjylland, Slovan clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory in the return leg at Tehelné pole Stadium in Bratislava, sealing their historic qualification.
This achievement marks only the fourth time in modern Slovak football history that a team has reached the group stage of the Champions League. The last Slovak club to do so was MŠK Žilina in the 2010/2011 season, with 1. FC Košice and Artmedia Petržalka preceding them in earlier years.
Marko Tolič was undoubtedly the hero of the match, scoring twice for Slovan. He opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, but despite Midtjylland equalizing, Tolič struck again late in the game to keep his team in contention. Tigran Barseghjan then netted the decisive goal in the closing minutes, sending the home crowd into raptures and securing Slovan’s place among Europe’s elite.
Following the match, Slovan Bratislava’s experienced coach Vladimír Weiss expressed his delight, saying, “Sometimes miracles happen. I believed we could do it, and my players responded with great belief and determination. I will never forget this atmosphere and this victory.”
Marko Tolič, who scored two crucial goals, added, “I don’t even know what to say. I want to thank our fans and this amazing city. We showed great character and proved what a strong team we are. I’m proud of our achievement.”
Slovan Bratislava will learn their group stage opponents during the draw in Monte Carlo, while FC Midtjylland will continue their European campaign in the UEFA Europa League.
Leave feedback about this