On April 2, 2025, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash in the semi-finals of the Polish Cup as Ruch Chorzów takes on Legia Warszawa at the iconic Stadion Śląski. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the final. Ruch Chorzów, currently grappling with a crisis in the 1. Liga, will look to seize this opportunity against the more favored Legia Warszawa, who are aiming to salvage their season.
As of April 1, 2025, Legia Warszawa finds itself in fifth place in the PKO Ekstraklasa, trailing leaders Raków Częstochowa by a daunting 14 points. Despite their struggles in the league, the team has shown resilience in the Polish Cup, eliminating formidable opponents such as ŁKS Łódź, Miedź Legnica, and the defending champions Jagiellonia Białystok in a controversial quarter-final match that saw Ryoya Morishita shine with two goals.
On the other hand, Ruch Chorzów, sitting in seventh place in the 1. Liga, has had a rocky start to the spring season, still searching for their first league victory. However, they have managed to progress in the Polish Cup, knocking out Korona Kielce, Unia Skierniewice, and Avia Świdnik to reach the semi-finals. The last time Ruch made it this far in the Polish Cup was 12 years ago, and they are eager to make a mark after losing to Legia in the 2011/12 final.
With the stakes high, the match is expected to attract a large crowd, with at least 23,000 fans anticipated to fill the stands at Stadion Śląski. Among them will be around 1,000 supporters from Warsaw, adding to the electric atmosphere. The excitement surrounding this fixture is palpable, although it may not match the fervor of the Ruch-Wisła Kraków match earlier this year.
Bookmakers have made Legia Warszawa the favorites for this semi-final showdown, offering odds of approximately 1.75 for a Legia victory, while Ruch Chorzów's chances are pegged at about 4.10. A draw, which some analysts believe is a likely outcome given the teams' current form, is valued between 3.60 and 4.10. The match will be officiated by Damian Sylwestrzak, with Bartosz Heinig and Adam Karasewicz serving as linesmen, and Kornel Paszkiewicz as the technical referee. VAR will be overseen by Paweł Malec and Marcin Borkowski.
Legia's coach, Goncalo Feio, is keen to ensure that his team capitalizes on their cup run, stating, "This is our chance to bring home some silverware this season. We know Ruch will be tough, but we are prepared to give our all." Meanwhile, Ruch's coach, Dawid Szulczek, remains optimistic despite the challenges, emphasizing that the cup is a fresh start: "We haven’t had the best league results, but the Polish Cup is a different story. We are ready to fight for every minute on that pitch."
Historically, the two teams have met several times this season, with Legia securing victories of 3-0 and 1-0 in their previous encounters. However, Ruch Chorzów is determined to turn the tide and create an upset in front of their home crowd. The memories of their last cup final against Legia still linger, and the players are motivated to rewrite history.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the kick-off at 18:00 on April 2. This match will be broadcast live on TVP Sport, allowing supporters to catch every moment of the action. For those unable to watch, a live text commentary will be available on GOL24, ensuring that all fans can stay updated on the developments.
In conclusion, the Ruch Chorzów vs. Legia Warszawa semi-final promises to be a captivating encounter filled with passion, skill, and determination. With both teams aiming for a place in the final, the atmosphere at Stadion Śląski is sure to be electric. Who will emerge victorious and secure their spot in the final? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this match is not to be missed!
