On a chilly evening at the Stadion GOSiR, Arka Gdynia and Wisła Kraków faced off, with the stakes high as both teams sought points to solidify their positions for promotion. The match ended dramatically with the scoreline leveled at 2-2, captivating audiences with its twists and turns.
Before kickoff, the spotlight was on Wisła's defensive lineup as they grappled with injuries. Coach Mariusz Jop's decisions were put to the test when Mariusz Kutwa fell ill, leaving the backline vulnerable and leading to Kacper Skrobański's emergency inclusion. Compounding the tension, VAR technology malfunctioned, delaying the start of the match.
The game took off with Arka quickly asserting themselves. Within just eight minutes, they capitalized on shaky defending from Wisła. After a corner taken short, Gojny delivered the ball, which Mikhał Marcjanik headed down for Szymon Sobczak to finish from close range, leaving Wisła's keeper, Patryk Letkiewicz, with no chance.
Wisła struggled to find their footing, particularly defensively, with Wiktor Biedrzycki's awkward play almost costing them. The tension mounted when Wisła was denied what seemed like a clear penalty after Tornike Gaprindashvili handled the ball inside the area. Despite the evident movement toward the ball, no penalty was awarded, much to the dismay of the visiting fans.
After the initial setback, Wisła responded with resilience and equalized shortly after. Angel Rodado, known for his goal-scoring prowess against Arka, launched a powerful shot from distance, finding the back of the net and bringing the match level at 1-1.
Building momentum, Wisła continued to apply pressure, creating several opportunities. Striker Łukasz Zwoliński hit the post and moments later, Rafał Mikulec unleashed another shot but failed to convert.
The first half ended on somewhat level ground, but Wisła showed clear signs of improvement. Jop's men returned from the break determined to secure the lead. Both teams engaged fiercely, with neither willing to settle for just one point.
Arka came out strong, and by the 53rd minute, they regained the lead through Ołeksandr Azacki, who profited from confusion during another corner kick.
Trailing again, Wisła pressed on and showed their attacking intent, squeezing Arka back within their own box at times. The home side's defense held firm under fire, leading to thrilling moments as Wisła tried to claw back another equalizer.
With the clock ticking down, it seemed unlikely Wisła would find the net, but fortune smiled upon them deep within injury time. Frederico Duarte struck with brilliance, connecting beautifully with the ball after Rodado’s initial effort was blocked, sending it beyond the reach of Arka’s keeper, Damian Węglarz, for the game-tying goal just as the referee signaled the end.
The match was not without its controversies. Referee Paweł Raczkowski faced strong criticism for missing several key calls, particularly Wisła's potential penalty for Gaprindashvili’s handball. Discussions buzzed around whether VAR officials were attentive to the actions of the match.
The official statistics reflected the game's intensity, with the referee handing out yellow cards to six players from Arka and three from Wisła, signaling the match's physicality.
Post-match analysis heavily focused on the officiate’s decisions overshadowing the outstanding performances, particularly speaking to Wisła’s persistence and talent on display. Rodado’s ability to conjure chances from seemingly nowhere stood out among Wisła’s players, with his goal earning applause across the stands.
With the draw, both teams have points but will rue missed opportunities. Arka's tactical approach was largely defensive, leaving the pitch feeling as if they dropped two important points. For Wisła, the fight back was commendable, yet they too will wonder about what might have been without the early shortcomings.
The result is instrumental as both teams continue their campaigns, aware they must exploit every chance as the season heads toward its climax.
Match details: Arka Gdynia 2 – 2 Wisła Kraków. Goals: Sobczak (8'), Rodado (28'), Azacki (53'), Duarte (90+5').