In a thrilling encounter in the PKO Ekstraklasa, Lech Poznań secured a 2-1 victory over Motor Lublin on April 13, 2025, marking their eighteenth win of the season. The match, held in front of a packed crowd of over 15,000 at the Arena Lublin, saw Lech maintain their pursuit of the league leaders, Raków Częstochowa, who currently sit at 59 points.
The game kicked off with Lech displaying their attacking intent early on. In the 15th minute, Patrik Walemark found the back of the net with a stunning strike, giving the visitors a lead they would not relinquish. Walemark's goal came after he skillfully maneuvered past two defenders, delivering a precise shot that nestled just inside the far post.
Lech doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Mikael Ishak, assisted by Walemark, scored his seventeenth goal of the season. Ishak's effort was a clinical finish, as he capitalized on a well-timed pass from Walemark after a swift counter-attack.
Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, Motor Lublin did not back down. They came out with renewed vigor in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Michał Król scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Król's goal came from a corner kick, showcasing the home team's determination to fight back.
The match had its tense moments, particularly for Lech, who faced a barrage of attacks from Motor in the closing stages. Piotr Ceglarz had a golden opportunity to equalize when he struck the post in the 83rd minute, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. Lech's goalkeeper, Bartosz Mrozek, was instrumental in keeping his team ahead, making crucial saves as the match drew to a close.
Referee Yūsuke Araki officiated the match, and despite the high stakes, he maintained control throughout, ensuring a fair contest. The attractiveness of the match was rated a solid 7/10, reflecting the competitive spirit displayed by both teams.
Motor's head coach, Mateusz Stolarski, expressed pride in his team's performance despite the loss. "We fought hard and showed great character, but we need to convert our chances into goals," he stated in the post-match interview.
Lech's coach, Niels Frederiksen, praised his players for their resilience and tactical execution. "We knew it would be a tough match, especially away from home. The early goals gave us confidence, and we managed to hold on despite the pressure in the second half," he remarked.
With this victory, Lech Poznań remains firmly in the title race, sitting at 56 points, just three behind Raków Częstochowa. The next challenge for Lech will be a home match against Cracovia, where they will look to continue their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, Raków Częstochowa also secured a win against Radomiak, further solidifying their position at the top of the table. As the season progresses, the race for the championship intensifies, with both Lech and Raków poised for what promises to be an exciting finish.
As the teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this gripping season of the PKO Ekstraklasa.