AS Trencin vs Baník Ostrava

Moniz's tactical reshuffle at half-time changed the game. The introduction of Hájovský added energy in midfield, and Garba's direct running down the right gave Baník's reshaped backline — featuring a completely different XI in the second period — problems they could not solve. The 66th-minute goal, scored within seconds of Garba's first dangerous cross, exposed the disjointedness of a Baník defence that had six new faces from the first half.

Lukáš Mikulaj (AS Trenčín) — Two goals from two headers, the second a match-winner in the 87th minute. His movement in the box was the difference between a draw and a win.

Mohamad Garba (AS Trenčín) — The substitute created the second goal with a driving run and pull-back, then nearly set up Mikulaj again moments later. His pace and directness stretched Baník's second-half defence.

Filip Kubala (Baník Ostrava) — The only Baník attacker to consistently threaten after the break. He forced a fine save from Sláviček early in the second half, played a key role in the build-up to Gning's missed chance, and calmly converted the penalty.

Martin Jedlička (Baník Ostrava) — Kept the scoreline respectable with two excellent saves to deny Sabljič in the closing stages, but could do nothing about the winner.

Trenčín's second-half dominance was clear from the way the game flowed: after a balanced first period in which both sides created three or four meaningful chances, the hosts controlled territory after the interval. Baník's decision to field a completely different XI in the second half — six changes in the outfield plus a new goalkeeper — disrupted their rhythm. The penalty was Baník's only shot on target in the second half, while Trenčín registered six efforts on goal after the break.

For AS Trenčín, the win provides momentum heading into the new Niké Liga season. They open their campaign at home against KFC Komárno on 25 July 2026. Ricardo Moniz's side ended pre-season with a competitive edge, creating chances from crosses and wide areas — a pattern they will look to replicate in the league.

For Baník Ostrava, the result is a wake-up call. Head coach Roman Skuhravý did not hold back in his post-match assessment: "I don't want this to sound like a degradation of the home team's performance. But for the first time since I've been at Baník, I'm angry — very angry — at how we presented ourselves here. We deserved to lose. It was a perfect mirror of what doesn't work and what isn't enough. Anyone who wants to play for Baník and wants to play this way will either play differently or won't play at all."

Baník begin their Czech First League campaign on the weekend of 25-26 July 2026, with their opponent yet to be confirmed.

A deserved win for Trenčín, who reacted better to the half-time disruption and found a match-winner in Mikulaj's aerial quality. Baník's experimental second-half lineup backfired, and Skuhravý's anger suggests some of those fringe players may not get another chance when the real season starts. The friendly served its purpose for both sides — one leaves with confidence, the other with hard truths.