Puszcza Niepołomice's fans expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cracovia Stadium for hosting their home matches during the 2023/2024 Ekstraklasa season. On February 10, 2023, as the team prepared to return to their home ground after extensive renovations, they played their last match at Cracovia. The match against Zagłębie Lubin marked not just the culmination of their time at the stadium but also served as a pivotal moment for the team as they aim to secure their position in the league.
During the match, Puszcza's supporters made their appreciation clear, chanting, "Thanks for the stadium! Cracovia, thanks for the stadium!" This display of gratitude highlighted the bond between the club and its fans, who had supported the team through what has been both exciting and challenging times. Many fans held up banners reading "Cracovio! Thank you for your hospitality!" as the players took to the field, showcasing their deep appreciation for the temporary home they enjoyed through the season.
Coach Tomasz Tułacz reflected on the return to their own stadium, stating, "Returning to our stadium should be something positive. I hope it becomes an impulse for us as the walls usually help. I believe our home pitch will aid us as we work to achieve our primary goal of staying competitive and avoiding relegation.”
The engagement and determination of the fans added to the electric atmosphere before, during, and after the match, making it clear how much this transition back to their own venue means to everyone associated with Puszcza Niepołomice. Tułacz’s remarks resonate with his players, who are eager not only to play on home turf but to also deliver performances worthy of their supporters' unwavering loyalty.
Before the clash, Tułacz spoke about the opponent, Zagłębie Lubin, emphasizing their capabilities. He noted, "Zagłębie is incredibly dangerous on quick counterattacks and has very good players. We need to minimize the space we give them and react appropriately to ball loss. At the same time, we must look for moments to surprise them." This insight speaks volumes about the team’s preparation and their fight to secure points necessary for survival.
The match itself was anticipated to have significant ramifications, as both teams were tied on points, sitting precariously close to the relegation zone. With only 19 points apiece, victory was imperative. The stakes were high, and both sides were acutely aware of the pressure to perform. Tułacz laid out the importance of this challenge: "This is an important match, but does it come with any greater pressure? I think not. We are enjoying our time in Ekstraklasa, and we are trying to bring quality, ideas, and determination to our actions. That’s our focus today. The outcome won’t define our future; we are taking this one game at a time."
Kick-off for this intense encounter was scheduled for 19:00, with fans of both teams eagerly awaiting to see who would take home the much-needed points. With the excitement palpable, the players stepped onto the field, ready to battle it out as Puszcza Niepołomice prepared for their closing chapter at Cracovia Stadium.
After this match, Puszcza Niepołomice will face three away games, starting with Legia Warsaw, followed by Lechia Gdańsk, and will end this phase with another trip to the capital, where they will go head-to-head with Polonia Warsaw for the quarter-finals of the Polish Cup. The highly anticipated homecoming is set for March 2, when Puszcza will welcome Motor Lublin to their newly renovated stadium at 12:15 pm.
The emotional farewell to Cracovia Stadium signifies not just the end of one chapter but the beginning of another for Puszcza Niepołomice, as they look forward to playing at home once again. Fans are hopeful this transition will reinvigorate the squad's performance, providing them the necessary boost to stay afloat this season.
With bright hopes and ambitious plans, the team looks prepared to face the future, aiming to cement their place within Poland’s top league, all the way from the sound of their chants echoing around Cracovia to the welcoming embrace of their true home stadium.