FC Spartak Trnava

FC Spartak Trnava is a Slovak football club based in Trnava, Slovakia. Historically it is one of the most successful clubs in Slovakia, having won the Czechoslovak First League and the Czechoslovak Cup five times, and reaching semifinal of European Cup once and quarterfinal twice. The club plays its matches on the largest football stadium in Slovakia, on Štadión Antona Malatinského. Club's official anthem is Il Silenzio.

History

The club was founded on 30 May 1923 by the merging of Šk Čechie and ČšŠk into TSS Trnava. After a communist takeover it became affiliated with the metal industry works and was renamed to TJ Kovosmalt ("Metal-enamel"). In 1952, the club gained its current name.

Golden era

The Golden era of Spartak began in the season of 1966/67. The team of legendary coach Anton Malatinský was top of the league by autumn, but by the end of the season had only finished in third place. Great success was achieved in the Mitropa Cup. Spartak beat teams like Budapest Honvéd FC, S.S. Lazio and ACF Fiorentina and in final the defeated Újpest FC of Hungary. In the following season Spartak gained their memorable first title. They reached the semi-final of European Cup to face Ajax Amsterdam. It is their greatest success up until now. Under the management of Ján Hucko, the team also won a second championship. In 1970/71 and 1971/72, Trnava won their third and fourth championship titles under coaches Valér Švec and Anton Malatinský. The team also reached the quarter-final of European Cup in 1973 and 1974. The fifth and the last league title in 1972/73 beckoned the end of Spartak's golden era.

90s

Although Spartak finished 16th (and last) in the last unified Czechoslovak league season in 1992/93, the latter half of the 90s can be considered the renaissance of football in Trnava. In the 1995/96 season, Spartak finished third and its popularity grew. The 1996/97 season was a memorable on for fans of Spartak, Karol Pecze almost led the team to its first Slovakian league title but got beaten to it by Košice in the final week of competition. The following season, under new coach Dušan Galis the team again achieved second place and then third place in the 1998/99 season which saw the end of this recovery of footballing prowess in Trnava.

Honours

Domestic

• Czechoslovak First League (1945–93)
  • Winners (5): 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973

• Czechoslovak Cup (Československý pohár)
  • Winners (5): 1951, 1967, 1971, 1975, 1986

• Slovak Cup (Slovenský pohár)
  • Winners (1): 1998

• Slovak Super Cup (Slovenský Superpohár)
  • Winners (1): 1998

European

• European Cup
  • Semi-Final (1): 1969
  • Quarter-Final (2): 1973, 1974

• Mitropa Cup
  • Winners (1): 1967
  • Final (2): 1967, 1968

Historical names

• ŠK Rapid Trnava (1923–39)
• TSS Trnava (1939–48)
• Sokol NV Trnava (1948–49)
• ZTJ Kovosmalt Trnava (1949–53)
• Spartak Trnava (1953–67)
• Spartak TAZ Trnava (1967–88)
• Spartak ZTS Trnava (1988–93)
• FC Spartak Trnava (1993–)

Fans

The fans are well-known throughout the country for their passion. The main ultras group is called Ultras Spartak. It consists of all big or smaller fan groups groups. They are described as best fans in Slovakia. They make great choreos and atmosphere. Trnava has in the long term highest attendance in republic.

Since 1988 to 2006, Spartak ultras had a friendship with FC Baník Ostrava fans, good relations and friendship are still existing.

Traditionally, club has great support in city and its district, but it is very popular in whole west Slovakia region, especially in Hlohovec, Piešťany and Sereď area.

Rival teams

The greatest rival is ŠK Slovan Bratislava. This rivalry has a long tradition and the matches between these clubs are considered as the most prestigious derby in Slovakia.

Stadium

Štadión Antona Malatinského is located in centre of the Trnava, directly behind walls of the old town. It can hold up to 18,448 people and is all seated. Formerly known simply as "Spartak", in 1998 it was renamed in honour of the club's most successful coach Anton Malatinský.

Reserve team

The reserve team FC Spartak Trnava B currently plays in the Slovak Third League and is managed by Peter Zelenský.

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

On loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Management team

Club officials

Spartak Trnava in Europe

Notable players

Player records

Most appearances

Most goals

Manager history

Former logos

External links

• Official website (Slovak)
• Ultras Spartak (Slovak)