Jagiellonia Białystok celebrated a remarkable victory on February 13, 2022, as they defeated TSC Backa Topola 3:1 during the opening match of the playoffs for the Europa Conference League. This win not only marked a significant step for the Polish champions but also reignited hopes for advancing to the next round of this prestigious tournament.
The match began cautiously, with both teams initially engaging in defense rather than outright dominance. Jagiellonia faced some nervous moments, experiencing several risky turnovers without conceding any goals. While TSC Backa Topola’s strategy focused on waiting for mistakes and launching counter-attacks, Jagiellonia's first threat came just after the first 25 minutes.
Moments later, TSC’s Vieljeux Mboungou broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area, giving the home side the lead at 28 minutes. The goal caught Jagiellonia off-guard but acted as the catalyst for their response. Virtually at the next opportunity, Jesus Imaz, the standout player for Jagiellonia, capitalized on a defensive error by TSC's captain Milan Radin, equalizing just three minutes later.
With the score tied at 1-1, Jagiellonia regained confidence, pushing forward and challenging TSC's defense more aggressively. Despite struggling to find their rhythm and facing setbacks with perceived offsides, they displayed resilience. Particularly notable was Imaz, who worked to create chances, maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Then came the decisive moment for Jagiellonia, as Afimico Pululu, who had been relatively subdued throughout the match, found himself with the ball outside the box. He unleashed a ferocious shot toward the lower corner, outpacing TSC's goalkeeper, extending Jagiellonia's lead to 2-1 at the 81st minute. This goal marked Pululu’s sixth strike of the season, tying him at the top of the UEFA Conference League scoring chart with Marko Guiu of Chelsea.
Jagiellonia's momentum didn’t stop there. Their experience showed as they continued to press for more, and Imaz found the net again with barely minutes left on the clock. A precise assist from Jarosław Kubicki allowed Imaz to net his second goal and third of the match, solidifying the final score at 3:1.
The win sent waves of excitement through Jagiellonia’s supporters, setting the stage for the return match scheduled for February 20, 2022, back at their home stadium. With such strong performance, Jagiellonia is not only confident but also fueled by the dream of making it to the next round.
Looking forward, Jagiellonia Białystok's victory is not just about the immediate reward of advancement; it signifies their ambitions on the European stage. They have expressed their intentions to continue building on this success, ensuring fans remain hopeful for what lies within their reach. The rematch against TSC Backa Topola will be pivotal, demanding strategic play and solid execution to maintain their competitive edge and secure their place moving forward.