Estonian international midfielder Kevor Palumets found the net for the second consecutive match in the Slovak top division as his Podbrezová side dismantled Michalovce 4-0 away from home. The match also featured Lithuanian international forward Gytis Paulauskas, whose night ended early after receiving a red card.
The 23-year-old Palumets had scored his first Slovak league goal just three days earlier in a defeat against Trnava, adding to the five assists he had already registered this season. Following that performance, he earned another start – as did Paulauskas for Michalovce, whose two-game scoring streak had ended earlier in the week.
The first half was dominated by one major moment: Paulauskas’ dismissal. The Lithuanian striker went in with a reckless challenge from behind on an opposing player and was initially shown a yellow card. However, after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a straight red – a turning point that effectively decided the match.
Podbrezová took full advantage, opening the scoring in the 38th minute. After the break, their dominance only grew. Palumets doubled the lead with a great long-range strike from just outside the penalty area, making it 2-0 and notching his second goal in as many games.
Late in the match, Podbrezová added two more goals to seal a commanding 4-0 victory on the road.
Palumets was substituted in the 84th minute with the score at 3-0 and continues to enjoy a standout season in Slovakia. In 17 appearances, he has now recorded two goals and five assists.
For the 26-year-old Paulauskas, it was a night to forget. The forward received the first red card of his career. Despite the dismissal, he has still delivered solid numbers this season with six goals and three assists in 15 matches.
The result had a direct impact on the league standings. Podbrezová leapfrogged Michalovce into fifth place, moving two points ahead of their rivals, who now sit sixth on 22 points.
Both teams have one remaining match before the winter break. Michalovce will travel to face Prešov without the suspended Paulauskas, while Podbrezová will host Dunajská Streda on December 13.
