In a commanding display of football prowess, Legia Warszawa secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Ruch Chorzów in the semi-finals of the Polish Cup on April 2, 2025. The match, held at Stadion Śląski, attracted an impressive crowd of 25,496 spectators, all eager to witness which team would advance to the final against Pogoń Szczecin.
From the outset, it was clear that Legia was the dominant force. The game kicked off at 18:00, and just five minutes in, Kacper Chodyna found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive error by Ruch. This early goal set the tone for the match, as Legia showcased their offensive capabilities.
As the first half progressed, Ruch struggled to find their rhythm, and Legia continued to press their advantage. In the 28th minute, Marc Gual doubled the lead, again taking advantage of a defensive lapse from the hosts. The Niebiescy, as Ruch is affectionately known, were unable to respond effectively, and they headed into halftime trailing 2-0.
The second half saw Legia further assert their dominance. Paweł Wszołek scored the third goal in the 56th minute, a moment that was particularly poignant as it coincided with the anniversary of the passing of Pope John Paul II, whom Wszołek honored with his celebration. The floodgates opened, and Ryoya Morishita added a fourth goal in the 79th minute, showcasing Legia's relentless attack.
Finally, in the 84th minute, Illa Szkuryn capped off the scoring with a fifth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for Legia. The match highlighted not only Legia's attacking prowess but also Ruch's ongoing struggles in the league, where they currently sit in seventh place, outside the playoff spots for promotion to the Ekstraklasa.
This victory propels Legia into the final of the Polish Cup, where they will face Pogoń Szczecin on May 2, 2025, at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw. The stakes are high, as the winner of the Polish Cup will receive a substantial prize of 5 million złoty, which is crucial for both clubs. For Legia, it represents a chance to secure European competition for the next season, especially given their current fifth-place standing in the Ekstraklasa, which leaves them without a title chance.
Legia's journey to the final has been impressive, having previously defeated Miedź 2-1, ŁKS Łódź 3-0, and Jagiellonia Białystok 3-1. Their performance against Ruch only solidifies their status as favorites heading into the final.
As for Ruch, the loss marks another setback in a season that has not gone according to plan. Following a string of poor results in the league, where they have not won in six matches, the team will need to regroup and focus on their goal of returning to the Ekstraklasa. The club's ambitions rest heavily on their ability to bounce back after this disappointing exit from the cup.
In the post-match comments, Legia's coach Goncalo Feio expressed pride in his team's performance but acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. "We played well today, but we must keep our focus as we prepare for the final and our upcoming matches in the Conference League against Chelsea," he stated.
As Legia prepares for their next challenges, the anticipation builds for the final against Pogoń Szczecin. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Legia can add another Polish Cup title to their illustrious history, which already includes a record 20 victories in this competition. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for glory and the substantial financial rewards that come with it.
With the Polish Cup final on the horizon, all eyes will be on Legia Warszawa as they aim to continue their successful run and potentially secure a place in European competitions next season. For Ruch Chorzów, the focus will shift to their league campaign, where they must find a way to turn their fortunes around and reclaim their status in Polish football.