In an exhilarating clash that highlighted the fierce rivalry in the Podkarpackie derby, Stal Rzeszów and Stal Stalowa Wola battled to a thrilling 2:2 draw on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This match marked the opening of the 29th round of the Betclic 1 Liga, showcasing both teams' determination to secure vital points as the season approaches its climax.
The game kicked off at 13:00, with Stal Rzeszów looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow 0:1 defeat against GKS Tychy in their previous outing. Currently sitting in 12th place in the league table, the Rzeszów squad, coached by Marek Zub, was eager to end a disheartening streak of four consecutive losses. On the other hand, Stal Stalowa Wola, despite occupying the bottom spot in the standings, arrived with renewed confidence following a surprising 3:1 victory over Ruch Chorzów, their third win of the season, which could potentially breathe new life into their fight for survival.
From the outset, the match was packed with action. Stal Rzeszów dominated the early exchanges, with Sebastian Thill testing Stal Stalowa Wola's goalkeeper Miłosz Piekutowski from 20 meters in the 6th minute, but Piekutowski was equal to the task, making a crucial save. Just minutes later, Thill's efforts continued as he delivered a corner kick that Haris Duljević volleyed over the bar.
In the 11th minute, Piekutowski showcased his goalkeeping prowess again, denying a header from Synoś with a remarkable save on the goal line. However, despite their early dominance, Stal Rzeszów found themselves trailing when Ibe-Torti opened the scoring for Stal Stalowa Wola in the 21st minute. After a swift counter-attack down the right flank led by Thiago, Niepsuj's cross was met by Zaucha, whose header struck the crossbar. The ball rebounded perfectly for Ibe-Torti, who capitalized on the opportunity and scored from close range.
Stal Rzeszów's response was immediate. Just three minutes later, they equalized through Michał Musik, who headed home a well-placed delivery from Thill following a corner, making it 1:1 in the 24th minute. The momentum shifted as Stal Rzeszów pressed for a second goal, and they found it just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Thill struck again, this time from 15 meters, capitalizing on a defensive error by Stal Stalowa Wola to put his team ahead 2:1.
The second half saw Stal Stalowa Wola come out with renewed vigor, and they managed to level the score once more in the 62nd minute. Jakub Svec, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes after coming on as a substitute, scored after a brilliant individual effort that saw him break away and finish past the Rzeszów goalkeeper.
As the match progressed, Stal Rzeszów sought to regain the lead, with Bida coming close to scoring in the 67th minute. His powerful shot from inside the box unfortunately hit the side netting. Five minutes later, Banach attempted to score but lifted the ball over the crossbar, while Piekutowski continued to impress, thwarting Svec in a one-on-one situation shortly after.
In the closing stages of the match, the home team ramped up the pressure. In the 87th minute, Thill unleashed a fierce shot from distance, but Piekutowski made a spectacular save, tipping the ball over the bar. With the clock ticking down, there was still time for drama. In the third minute of added time, Piekutowski again stood tall, denying Cesar Pena in another crucial one-on-one scenario.
Ultimately, the match ended in a hard-fought 2:2 draw, a result that reflects the competitive nature of the Podkarpackie derby. The game was officiated by referee Jacek Małyszek from Lublin, who handed out yellow cards to Kaczor, Furtak, and Mehremić during the match. A total of 4,400 spectators attended the encounter, witnessing a display of resilience and skill from both sides.
As the season progresses, Stal Rzeszów will aim to build on this draw as they seek to secure their position in the league, while Stal Stalowa Wola will hope to use this result as a stepping stone in their fight against relegation. With both teams showing their capabilities, the Podkarpackie derby continues to be a highlight of the Betclic 1 Liga.
