Dukla Banská Bystrica vs Pohronie

Dukla had controlled much of the second half without creating clear chances. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, a draw looked the likeliest outcome. Polievka's 90th-minute header — the only goal of the game — flipped a functional workout into a winning send-off ahead of Dukla's Niké Liga opener against Slovan Bratislava on 26 July.

Róbert Polievka (Dukla Banská Bystrica) — The veteran striker, a key figure in Dukla's promotion campaign, produced the decisive moment with his late header. His movement and aerial threat had been a persistent problem for the Pohronie defence all half.

Lukošík (Pohronie) — The Pohronie goalkeeper kept his side in the game with a series of saves across 90 minutes and could do little about the winner. A strong individual performance in a narrow defeat.

Trefil (Dukla Banská Bystrica) — A relatively quiet afternoon for the Dukla goalkeeper, who was protected well by his defence and never seriously tested.

Player of the match: Róbert Polievka

The 1-0 scoreline — the only goal arriving in the 90th minute — reflects a tight, attritional friendly. Dukla's approach play was patient but lacked incision in the final third until Polievka's intervention. The match produced no cards, underscoring the friendly nature of the contest. Both sides used the run-out to build match sharpness: Dukla made six substitutions from a bench that included Hroššo, Richtárech, Považanec, Szanthó, Koštiaľ and Arigueta; Pohronie rotated through nine replacements.

Dukla Banská Bystrica finish their pre-season schedule with a 1-0 victory — their only win of the summer friendlies, according to Slovak outlet Sportnet, which noted the newcomer "managed to win only in their dress rehearsal". Juraj Jarábek's side now turn their attention to the Niké Liga opener at home against Slovan Bratislava on Sunday, 26 July 2026.

Pohronie, competing in the Slovak second tier under Pavol Gregora, will continue their own preparations ahead of the 2. Liga campaign.

A predictable pre-season affair rescued by a late flash of quality from Polievka. Dukla will need sharper attacking patterns if they are to compete in the Niké Liga, but the defensive solidity — a clean sheet against a familiar opponent — provides a platform to build on.