In a disappointing display, Ruch Chorzów succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Stal Stalowa Wola at Stadion Śląski on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This marked the fifth consecutive loss for the Niebiescy, who found themselves at the bottom of the league table, leaving fans frustrated and disheartened.
From the outset, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Stal Stalowa Wola struck first in the 11th minute when Kelechukwu Ibe-Torti found the back of the net after a slick assist from Sebastian Strózik. Strózik showcased his skill by maneuvering past Ruch's Andrej Lukić before setting up Ibe-Torti, who made no mistake from close range.
However, the home side responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Daniel Szczepan leveled the score for Ruch Chorzów, converting a header after a well-placed cross from Mateusz Szwoch. The quick equalizer buoyed the spirits of the home crowd, but it was clear that the Niebiescy were struggling to maintain momentum.
Despite having opportunities to take the lead, including chances for Szwoch and Szymon Szymański—who was celebrating his 29th birthday—the team failed to capitalize. The first half ended with the score knotted at 1-1, but the atmosphere in the stands was tense, with only 10,000 fans witnessing the clash.
As the second half unfolded, Ruch Chorzów continued to press for a goal, earning several free kicks and corner kicks. Yet, their efforts were met with a resolute Stal defense. In a critical moment in the 70th minute, Stal regained the lead. Ruch goalkeeper Jakub Bielecki made a costly error, misjudging a pass that allowed Sebastian Strózik to intercept and slot the ball into an empty net.
With time running out, Ruch struggled to find an answer. Their frustration grew, and the fans expressed their discontent vocally, particularly during the first 20 minutes of the match when they chose not to cheer. The situation escalated as the match approached its conclusion.
In the dying moments, Ibe-Torti struck again, sealing the victory for Stal Stalowa Wola with his second goal in the 89th minute. This time, he capitalized on a swift counter-attack, finishing off a well-executed team play to put the game out of reach for the Niebiescy.
The defeat was a bitter pill for Ruch Chorzów to swallow, particularly given their recent form, which had seen them win their last match against Miedź Legnica just prior to this encounter. Coach Dawid Szulczek now faces mounting pressure as fans grow increasingly impatient with the team's performance.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Ruch Chorzów 1, Stal Stalowa Wola 3, marking a significant victory for the visitors, who celebrated their first win of the spring season. The loss leaves Ruch in a precarious position as they look to regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around.
The match statistics highlighted Ruch's struggles, as they were unable to convert their possession into meaningful chances against a Stal team that executed their game plan effectively. With this result, Ruch Chorzów will need to reassess their strategy moving forward, as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the 1. Liga.
In the aftermath of the match, discussions among fans and analysts alike will focus on potential roster changes, particularly with the absence of Soma Novothny from the squad, suggesting his time at Chorzów may be coming to an end. As the club navigates through this difficult period, the pressure will be on to restore pride and performance on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Ruch Chorzów must find a way to rally their spirits and regain the trust of their supporters, who have shown unwavering loyalty despite the recent downturn. The next fixtures will be crucial as they seek to climb out of the relegation zone and back into contention within the league.
