In a crucial match of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa on May 4, 2025, Lechia Gdańsk secured a vital 2-0 victory against Cracovia at the Stadion Cracovii im. Józefa Piłsudskiego. This win not only marked a significant step for Lechia in their battle against relegation but also highlighted the struggles of the home team, who are now firmly positioned in the mid-table.
Cracovia entered the match in sixth place with 45 points, having recently broken a poor run with a 1-0 victory over Motor Lublin. However, the team faced a challenging lineup with key players Otar Kakabadze and Virgil Ghita suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Coach Dawid Kroczek, who celebrated his 36th birthday just the day before, was determined to make a statement despite these setbacks.
Changes in Cracovia's lineup saw Jakub Jugas, Bartosz Biedrzycki, and Kacper Śmiglewski stepping in for the suspended players. The match kicked off at 14:45, with a strong attendance of 11,303 fans eager to see their team perform. From the start, it was evident that both teams were fighting hard, with Cracovia looking to maintain their position in the upper half of the table and Lechia striving to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The first half was characterized by a lack of clear-cut chances, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. In the 12th minute, Ajdin Hasic earned a corner for Cracovia, but the opportunity came to nothing. Lechia responded with a long-range shot from Iwan Żelizko in the 16th minute that went wide of the post. The game was marked by fierce midfield battles and quick transitions, but neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.
After the break, the match took a decisive turn. Just four minutes into the second half, in the 49th minute, Lechia opened the scoring. Dominik Piła made a swift play down the right wing, passing to Camilo Mena, who delivered a precise cross into the box. Maksym Chłań was perfectly positioned to finish the move, sliding in to score from close range, putting Lechia ahead 1-0. This goal was particularly significant as it was the 100th goal scored in matches involving Cracovia this season.
Cracovia, now trailing, attempted to respond quickly. Mikkel Maigaard had a chance shortly after the goal, but his shot grazed the post. The home side's frustration grew as they struggled to create meaningful chances against a disciplined Lechia defense. In the 61st minute, Żelizko had another opportunity for Lechia, but Cracovia's goalkeeper Henrich Ravas made a crucial save.
As the match progressed, Cracovia introduced new players, including 16-year-old Dawid Polak, to inject some energy into their attack. However, despite their efforts, they could not find the equalizer. In the 85th minute, a pivotal moment occurred when Kacper Bzdyl fouled Kacper Sezonienko in the penalty area, leading to a penalty for Lechia. Żelizko stepped up to take the spot-kick, and with precision, he struck the ball into the bottom left corner, sealing the victory at 2-0.
The final whistle confirmed Lechia's success, a result that lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone, a crucial margin as they head into the final stretch of the season. This victory also marked a significant improvement in form for Lechia, who had previously endured a mixed bag of results, including a recent win against Piast Gliwice (3-1) and a narrow loss to Legia Warszawa (1-2).
Post-match, Coach John Carver expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their discipline and effectiveness in front of goal. "We maintained a strong defensive line and took our chances when they came. This win is vital for our confidence as we push for survival in the league," he stated.
On the other hand, Coach Kroczek acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly with the absence of key players. He emphasized that the match against Motor Lublin was a critical turning point for them, but today’s performance showed they still had work to do to regain their form.
Looking ahead, Lechia will face Korona Kielce at home on May 11, 2025, followed by matches against Pogoń Szczecin and GKS Katowice. Meanwhile, Cracovia will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixtures, aiming to maintain their position in the upper half of the table.
In summary, Lechia Gdańsk’s 2-0 victory over Cracovia serves as a crucial boost in their fight against relegation, while the home side faces increasing pressure to secure their position in the league. With only three matches left in the season, every point counts, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on their upcoming opportunities.
