Arka Gdynia has made a triumphant return to the PKO Ekstraklasa after a five-year absence, celebrating their promotion with a thrilling 2:1 victory over Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecza on May 4, 2025. This victory not only secured their place in the top tier of Polish football but also marked a significant achievement for the club, as they now have six promotions in their history, with previous successes in 1974, 1976, 2005, 2008, and 2016.
The match, held at the Stadion Miejski in Gdynia, was a rollercoaster of emotions for the home fans, who witnessed their team start on the back foot. After a disappointing first 35 minutes, in which Arka struggled to find their rhythm, Morgan Fassbender put Termalica ahead with a powerful strike in the 35th minute, leaving the home crowd in shock.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the dying minutes of the first half. In the 44th minute, Szymon Sobczak was awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box by Termalica's goalkeeper, Adrian Chovan. Sobczak confidently converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1:1. Just moments later, in the third minute of stoppage time, another penalty was awarded to Arka when Joao Oliveira was brought down by Gabriel Isik. Sobczak once again stepped up, firing home to give Arka a 2:1 lead going into the halftime break.
With the scoreline in their favor, Arka Gdynia came out for the second half determined to maintain their advantage. The atmosphere was electric, with nearly 15,000 fans cheering on their team. However, the second half was not without its challenges. In the 61st minute, goalkeeper Damian Węglarz made a crucial save, deflecting a shot from Kacper Karasek over the bar, keeping Arka ahead.
The match took a more intense turn in the 81st minute when Marc Navarro received a red card for a tactical foul on Fassbender, leaving Arka to finish the match with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arka's defense held firm, and they continued to press forward in search of a third goal, which would have sealed their fate.
In the final moments of the match, Termalica pushed for an equalizer, but Arka's defense, led by the resolute Michał Marcjanik and goalkeeper Węglarz, stood strong. The match ended with a score of 2:1, and the jubilant crowd erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew.
Arka Gdynia's promotion is a testament to the hard work and determination of the players and coaching staff. Under the guidance of coach Dawid Szwarga, who took over in December, the team has shown remarkable resilience throughout the season, accumulating a total of 68 points from 31 matches, including 20 wins and 8 draws.
As the club prepares for their final three matches of the season against Wisła Płock, GKS Tychy, and Stal Stalowa Wola, the focus now shifts to celebrating their promotion. A grand celebration is planned for May 18, 2025, following their last home game, where fans can join in the festivities and honor the team's return to the top league.
The victory over Termalica was not just about securing promotion; it was also a moment of pride for the entire city of Gdynia. The players, including key contributors like Sobczak, who scored both penalties, and Węglarz, who recorded 14 clean sheets this season, have become local heroes. Their success has reignited the passion for football in the region, and the anticipation for next season in the Ekstraklasa is palpable.
In summary, Arka Gdynia's journey back to the PKO Ekstraklasa is a remarkable story of perseverance, teamwork, and community spirit. As they look to build on this success, the club aims to make a significant impact in the top tier of Polish football, and fans can expect an exciting season ahead.
