Jagiellonia Białystok's journey in the UEFA Conference League came to a close on April 17, 2025, as they faced Real Betis in the second leg of the quarter-finals at their home ground, Chorten Arena. Despite a valiant effort, the Polish champions drew 1-1 with the Spanish side, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
The first leg in Seville had seen Betis dominate the match, winning 2-0 with goals from Cedric Bakambu and Jesus Rodriguez. Jagiellonia's coach, Adrian Siemieniec, had emphasized the need for his team to "strive for perfection" in the return fixture, and the players responded with a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd.
Approximately 20,000 fans filled the stands, creating an electrifying atmosphere that included a stunning display of banners and chants, including the inspiring message, "Never give up." The support from the stands was palpable, and the players were determined to put on a show.
Jagiellonia started the match brightly, with Jarosław Kubicki missing an early chance to score. In response, Betis's Antony had a shot saved by goalkeeper Sławomir Abramowicz, showcasing the intensity of the encounter. The home team maintained a high pressing game and looked to control the pace, unlike in the first leg where they struggled defensively.
In the 21st minute, Kristoffer Hansen came close to giving Jagiellonia the lead, but his effort went begging. The home side continued to push for a breakthrough, and just before halftime, Hansen thought he had scored, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside after a VAR review. This was a crucial moment, as the tension in the stadium was palpable.
As the second half unfolded, Betis began to assert themselves more, creating several opportunities. A corner from Giovanni Lo Celso caused chaos in Jagiellonia's defense, but they held firm. In the 64th minute, a scramble in the Betis penalty area saw four Jagiellonia players attempt to score, but none could find the back of the net.
In the 78th minute, Cedric Bakambu finally broke the deadlock for Betis, finishing off a well-placed pass from Aitor Ruibal, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. However, Jagiellonia was quick to respond. Just three minutes later, Darko Czurlinow leveled the match with a brilliant individual effort, showcasing his skill and determination to score.
The equalizer sent the home fans into a frenzy, but Jagiellonia's hopes of a miraculous comeback were nearly dashed when a penalty was awarded to Betis for a foul by Tomas Silva on Ruibal. However, after consulting VAR, referee Clement Turpin overturned the decision, much to the relief of the home crowd.
As the match drew to a close, Jagiellonia pushed for a second goal, but time was not on their side. The final whistle confirmed the 1-1 draw, signaling the end of their European campaign for this season. Despite the disappointment of elimination, Jagiellonia could hold their heads high, having shown they could compete with a top-tier Spanish side.
Overall, Jagiellonia's run in the Conference League was commendable. They earned 10.102 million euros from their participation, a significant boost for the club's finances. Their journey included victories in earlier rounds, which collectively contributed to their impressive earnings, marking a successful campaign in the context of Polish football.
As Jagiellonia bids farewell to European competitions this season, they leave with valuable experience and increased visibility in the UEFA rankings. The Polish champions have demonstrated their potential on the European stage, and with continued growth, they could look forward to future campaigns with optimism.
Real Betis will now advance to face Fiorentina in the semi-finals of the Conference League, with the final scheduled to take place on May 28 at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław. The journey may have ended for Jagiellonia, but their performance has set a benchmark for Polish clubs in European competitions.
