Korona Kielce edged out Śląsk Wrocław 1-0 at Exbud Arena on February 22, 2025, with Adrian Dalmau scoring the decisive goal just before halftime. The match was part of the 22nd round of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa and was highly significant for both teams as they strive to avoid relegation.
The home side had the upper hand throughout the match, showcasing their determination to climb up the league table after their recent performances. Coach Jacek Zieliński's strategy paid off with Korona maintaining solid possession and creating pressing opportunities. Dalmau's goal, his eighth of the season, came from a well-constructed play by Mariusz Fornalczyk, who delivered the ball right where Dalmau could capitalize on it.
Kielce started the game confidently, pushing their rivals back and controlling the pace. The match began with Korona demanding respect early on, as they sought to fan the flames of their recent form, which included earning points against prominent teams.
During the first half, Korona argued for a penalty when Fornalczyk's shot hit the hand of Śląsk's Piotr Samiec-Talar, but the referee did not see it as intentional, opting to let play continue—a decision quickly endorsed by VAR.
At the 17-minute mark, Fornalczyk mounted another strong run down the left wing but was unable to connect with any teammates for what could have been another goal. Just three minutes later, Pedro Nuno's cross gave Dalmau another opportunity, but it narrowly missed the mark.
When the clock struck 45 minutes, Korona sustained their relentless pursuit for goals. After various attempts from both sides, Dalmau netted one during injury time at the end of the first half, blasting it from close range after capitalizing on Fornalczyk's assist. This was not just any goal; it was the culmination of Korona's well-crafted efforts and placed them one step closer to survival.
Even though Śląsk’s players were having fewer chances, they seemed to rally after halftime, seeking to level the scoreline. Early in the second half, Mariusz Fornalczyk tried for another long-range shot, but it was off-target, maintaining the lead for Korona.
The visitors, coached by Ante Simundza, lacked the sharpness needed to trouble Korona's defense, failing to produce significant chances after Dalmau’s goal. Despite having some groundwork before this match, including their clinical win against Widzew Łódź, they found themselves struggling to establish rhythm.
The desperation grew for the Wrocław team as the match wore on, evident by their pursuit of goal with increased urgency. Nonetheless, Korona's defense held firm, allowing them to stay resolute and organized to preserve their lead.
The match’s concluding moments saw several attempts from Śląsk to equalize, yet they could not break through, leading to palpable tension among players and their supporters alike. Korona's tactical discipline and resilience earned them the much-needed win which not only boosts their spirits but also reinforces their bid to steer clear of the relegation zone.
After the match, Coach Zieliński expressed his thoughts: "Ważne będzie dokładanie kolejnych cegiełek na własnym stadionie, aby budować twierdzę," emphasizing the need to fortify their home ground advantage. Korona now stands with 26 points, still battling the lower end of the table but with renewed hope.
Just below them, Śląsk Wrocław continues to face challenges, gripping tightly to the last position on the table, currently with only 14 points. They'll need to rally quickly if they wish to have any chances of escaping the drop as they look to turn their fortunes around. With the league's completion looming nearer, both teams remain on their respective journeys, combining tactical prowess, potential upsets, and some nail-biting football as each week passes.