Pogoń Szczecin Dominates Puszcza Niepołomice In Cup Semi-Final

Puszcza Niepołomice faced Pogoń Szczecin in a highly anticipated Polish Cup semi-final on April 1, 2025, at 18:30. The match, which was broadcast live on TVP Sport and TVPSport.pl, marked a significant moment for Puszcza as they advanced to the top four of the competition for the first time in their history.

As the game kicked off, Pogoń Szczecin quickly established dominance, showcasing their intent to return to the PGE Narodowy after narrowly losing last year's final to Wisła Kraków. The stakes were high, with both teams eager to secure a place in the final scheduled for May 2, 2025.

In the fifth minute, Pogoń took an early lead when Leonardo Koutris capitalized on a chaotic situation in the penalty area, pushing the ball into the net. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Pogoń continued to apply pressure on their opponents.

Things went from bad to worse for Puszcza when they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after a handball was called against the Pogoń defense. Artur Craciun stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was thwarted by Pogoń's goalkeeper, Valentin Cojocaru, who brilliantly saved the shot. This moment was pivotal, as it not only kept Pogoń's lead intact but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

Despite the setback, Puszcza fought valiantly, but Pogoń's defense, led by Linus Wahlqvist and other stalwarts, held strong. Pogoń's attacking prowess continued to shine, with Mateusz Cholewiak hitting both the post and the crossbar in the first half, further demonstrating their dominance.

In the 36th minute, Pogoń doubled their lead when Wahlqvist scored with a powerful header from a free kick delivered by Rafał Kurzawa. This goal left Puszcza reeling as they entered halftime with a daunting 2-0 deficit.

After the break, Pogoń was quick to assert their control once more. In the 52nd minute, Efthymis Koulouris found the back of the net, effectively sealing the match with a third goal for Pogoń. With this goal, the scoreboard read 3-0, and the outcome seemed all but decided.

As the match drew to a close, Puszcza's Danijel Lončar received a yellow card in the 79th minute, adding to the frustration of the home side. Despite their efforts, Puszcza could not break through Pogoń's resolute defense, and the match ended with a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Pogoń Szczecin.

This victory not only secured Pogoń a spot in the final but also provided them with a chance to redeem themselves after last year's painful defeat. Captain Kamil Grosicki expressed the team's determination to bring home the trophy this time around, stating, "We want to win for our fans and ourselves. We have to make it right after last year's heartbreak."

Pogoń Szczecin will now prepare to face either Ruch Chorzów or Legia Warszawa in the final, with the anticipation building among their supporters. The final promises to be an exciting encounter as Pogoń seeks to claim their first Polish Cup title in history, having lost all four previous finals by a narrow margin.

As for Puszcza Niepołomice, despite the disappointment of the semi-final exit, they can take pride in their journey to this stage. Under the guidance of coach Tomasz Tułacz, the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Tułacz had previously remarked, "This is the most important match in the club's history, and we approached it with that mindset. We aimed to reach the National Stadium, and while we fell short, we will learn and grow from this experience."

Looking ahead, Puszcza will need to shift their focus back to the PKO BP Ekstraklasa, where they are fighting to avoid relegation. Currently, they hold just a two-point lead over the relegation zone, making their league matches critical in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the Polish Cup semi-final showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. Pogoń Szczecin emerged victorious, setting the stage for an exciting final, while Puszcza Niepołomice will need to regroup and focus on their league survival as they move forward from this challenging encounter.