Match Report: TJ Banik Kalinovo 2-2 MFK Spartak Medzev – International Club Friendly

TJ Banik Kalinovo and MFK Spartak Medzev played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly on July 25, 2026, at the Kalinovo Arena. The match, featuring two Slovak lower-league teams, showcased end-to-end action and plenty of goals, leaving both sides with positive takeaways ahead of the new season.

First Half: Quick Exchanges

MFK Spartak Medzev started brightly, scoring in the 8th minute through a well-placed shot from midfielder Peter Kováč. Banik Kalinovo responded quickly, equalizing in the 19th minute when striker Tomáš Haluška headed home from a corner. The hosts then took the lead in the 35th minute, as winger Michal Ďurica tapped in after a defensive mix-up. Medzev pushed back and found an equalizer just before halftime, with forward Ján Šimko finishing from a tight angle.

Second Half: Chances Galore but No Winner

Both teams continued to attack after the break. Banik Kalinovo hit the crossbar twice, while Medzev’s goalkeeper made a stunning save to deny a penalty. The match became stretched, with both sides committing numbers forward, but neither could find the decisive goal. The final whistle signaled a fair result in a lively contest.

Key Moments

• Quick-fire goals – Four goals in the first half kept fans on the edge of their seats.
• Goalkeeping heroics – MFK Spartak’s keeper Viliam Košč made 7 saves to keep his side level.
• Missed opportunities – Banik Kalinovo will rue their failure to convert from dominant spells.

Friendly Context

For both teams, this match served as valuable preparation. Banik Kalinovo showed attacking flair but defensive vulnerabilities, while MFK Spartak Medzev demonstrated resilience and counter-attacking threat. The draw was a fair reflection of an open, competitive fixture.