On April 8, 2025, Arka Gdynia showcased a dominant performance against Warta Poznań, securing a convincing 3:0 victory in the 27th round of the Betclic 1. Liga. With this win, Arka Gdynia solidified its position at the top of the league table, now boasting 60 points after 27 matches, and continuing their impressive run.
The atmosphere at the Stadion Miejski was electric, with 4,704 fans in attendance cheering on their team, which has now achieved five consecutive victories. Under the guidance of head coach Dawid Szwarga, the yellow-and-blues have been on a remarkable streak, previously defeating teams like Górnik Łęczna, Miedź Legnica, and Kotwica Kołobrzeg.
From the first whistle, Arka Gdynia seized control of the match, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Warta Poznań, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and did not manage a single shot on target for much of the game. The home team finally broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Adam Ratajczyk was fouled in the penalty area by Michał Feliks. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Wojciech Myć awarded the penalty, which was confidently converted by Michał Marcjanik.
Following the opening goal, Arka maintained their attacking momentum. Despite leading 1:0, they pressed forward and doubled their advantage just before half-time. In the 44th minute, a well-placed cross from Dawid Gojny found Kike Hermoso, who headed the ball into the net, making it 2:0. Just two minutes later, Tornike Gaprindaszwili capitalized on a defensive error, scoring with a precise shot from 17 meters out to extend the lead to 3:0.
The second half saw Arka Gdynia continue to control the game, with Szwarga making tactical substitutions to rest key players. Although they were not as clinical in front of goal as in the first half, they still created several chances, including a near-miss from Gaprindaszwili, who shot just over the crossbar.
In the dying moments of the match, Gaprindaszwili appeared to have scored his second goal, but it was disallowed after a VAR check revealed an offside by teammate Hide Vitalucci. Despite this setback, the team’s performance left the fans buzzing with excitement as chants of “O awans tak się gra, bez żadnych baraży!” echoed through the stadium, signaling their hopes for promotion.
Warta Poznań, coached by Ryszard Tarasiewicz, faced their second defeat in Gdynia, having previously lost 0:5 to Kotwica Kołobrzeg last September. Currently, Warta sits in 16th place in the league, desperately seeking a victory since their last win in November against Pogoń Siedlce.
Arka Gdynia’s recent form has put them in a strong position to secure direct promotion to the Ekstraklasa, as they are just two points shy of the total they ended the previous season with. With only seven matches remaining, the focus now shifts to maintaining their lead and securing the points needed to achieve their goal.
This match not only highlighted Arka Gdynia's offensive prowess but also their defensive solidity, as goalkeeper Damian Węglarz kept a clean sheet, making crucial saves when needed. The team’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities and control the game was a testament to their preparation and strategy.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Arka Gdynia as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure their place in the top tier of Polish football. The fans remain hopeful and excited, looking forward to the upcoming matches and the potential for a successful conclusion to the season.
In summary, Arka Gdynia’s 3:0 victory over Warta Poznań not only reinforces their status as league leaders but also showcases their determination and skill on the pitch. With a strong squad and effective coaching, the yellow-and-blues are poised for a promising finish to the Betclic 1. Liga season.