Lech Poznań dominated their match against Zagłębie Lubin, finishing with a convincing score of 3-1 at their home stadium.
The game was pivotal for Lech, who sought to rebound after two consecutive losses. Facing one of the weaker teams this season, Zagłębie Lubin, the expectations were high. Lech struck early when Patrik Wålemark scored from a free kick just two minutes after the match began. The powerful strike, aimed directly toward the goal, left Dominik Haładun, the Zagłębie goalkeeper, with no chance to prevent the ball from hitting the net.
Despite this early setback, Zagłębie responded quickly. Just ten minutes later, after Jakub Kolan's excellent cross, Damian Michalski headed the ball past Lech's keeper Bartosz Mrozek to tie the game at 1-1. This moment revitalized the visiting team, igniting hopes of turning the match around.
Yet, Lech wasn’t done. It took merely six more minutes for Wålemark to strike again, showcasing his skill as he maneuvered around defender Damian Dąbrowski before firing the ball home. It was another well-placed shot, restoring Lech’s lead at 2-1.
The pace remained intense throughout the first half, with both teams making attempts to control the flow of the game. Each side had opportunities, with spectators not lacking for excitement. The match saw moments of tension, including a controversial play involving newly substituted Ali Golizadeh, who was tackled hard by Nalepa, leading to calls for the referee to issue a red card. VAR was consulted but only produced a yellow card.
Coaches Niels Frederiksen of Lech and Marcin Włodarski of Zagłębie had different tactics and challenges as they made changes to their lineups to bolster offensive pressure. Włodarski introduced fresh players like Marcin Listkowski, hoping to energize his team; meanwhile, Lech’s substitutions sought to maintain their momentum.
Into the second half, the game maintained its high stakes, yet Lech’s defense remained solid. Both teams proceeded with chances, but strong defensive plays kept the score unchanged until the 79th minute when Rasmus Carstensen sealed the match, scoring after Lech effectively countered Zagłębie's attacking pressure. The assist came from Filip Jagiełło, waving the former Zagłębie player’s contributions and raising the lead to 3-1.
Despite the loss, coach Marcin Włodarski expressed mixed feelings about his team’s performance. "Gratuluję Lechowi zwycięstwa, na które nie zasłużyli. Jestem świadomy tego co mówię," he commented post-match, indicating he believed his team had put forth considerable effort yet lacked execution in the final third.
On the flip side, Niels Frederiksen was pleased with the outcome. "Po dwóch porażkach i problemach ze zdobywaniem bramek, miło jest dopisać kolejne trzy gole i punkty," he stated, acknowledging the match was not as polished as desired, but the three scores were certainly welcomed after struggles.
Both teams will take valuable lessons from this match as Lech stays firmly atop the Ekstraklasa standings. Zagłębie faces pressure moving forward, as they are now considering potential changes after disappointing recent performances. The next fixture will reveal whether they've learned from this tough night against Lech Poznań, who are showcasing their talent once again.
Next week, Zagłębie Lubin will meet Piast Gliwice, hoping to gather points and restore their season's momentum. Meanwhile, Poznań will look to build on this victory as they continue to compete for the top honors.