Widzew Łódź faces off against Pogoń Szczecin on February 22, 2025, at the Municipal Stadium in Łódź, marking yet another thrilling episode of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa. Both teams are searching for significant points, with Pogoń on the rise and Widzew aiming to recover from recent struggles.
The encounter begins at 17:30, as two teams with contrasting fortunes take the field. Widzew, currently positioned 11th with 26 points, has had a rough start to the spring season, yielding just one point from three matches played so far, including a disheartening 0-3 loss against the league's bottom team, Śląsk Wrocław. The pressure is on for their coach, Daniel Myśliwiec, who acknowledges the team's poor form.
Myśliwiec expressed the team's determination to turn things around, stating, "No one is thrilled, and nobody dances in the locker room since we are not pleased with our results and play." With one goal scored and eight conceded since the start of 2025, the need for improvement is clear.
On the opposing side, Pogoń Szczecin is riding high on success, having won all three of their matches this year, leaving them fifth with 36 points. Under the guidance of coach Robert Kolendowicz, Pogoń has shown substantial growth, scoring victories over strong opponents and gaining momentum as they seek to climb higher up the league table.
Kolendowicz praised his squad’s commitment and form, remarking, "What everyone showed over the past three matches is phenomenal. I have great faith in these players. They can play well and win even in tough moments." Kamil Grosicki, the former Polish national team star, is particularly notable, having scored three goals and assisted once this season, showcasing his pivotal role within the team.
The lineups for the match reveal strategic choices made by both coaches. Widzew Łódź's starting eleven includes goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz and key players like Sebastian Kerk and Jakub Sypek. Their bench features potential game-changers like Jakub Łukowski and Bartłomiej Pawłowski. Meanwhile, Pogoń Szczecin opts for goalkeeper Ionuț Cojocaru, flanked by defenders Leo Borges and Wahlqvist, with Grosicki expected to lead the attacking front.
Widzew's recent transfer activity, including the addition of striker Lubomir Tupta, is intended to bolster their attacking options. The club has faced challenges but remains resilient, looking for the spark needed to ignite their playing style and secure those all-important three points.
The stakes are high not only for the standings but also for the psychological aspect surrounding the match. Myśliwiec emphasized the necessity to halt Pogoń's positive momentum, saying, "We must do everything to not reinforce their positive feelings but gradually take them away." This encapsulates the challenge Widzew faces as they attempt to overcome their disadvantage.
Viewers will be able to follow the match through multiple platforms, as it will be broadcast live on Canal+ Sport 3, Canal+ 4K, and the free TVP Sport channel. The pre-match studio segment begins 30 minutes prior, setting the stage for the kick-off.
For those seeking to stream the action online, the match will also be available on Canal+ Online and sport.tvp.pl, catering to audiences who prefer digital viewing options. The recent betting odds indicate Pogoń as the favorite to win with odds of approximately 2.21, reflecting the contrasting fortunes of both teams.
With everything on the line, this match promises to be full of drama and excitement, as Widzew Łódź looks to turn their season around against a formidable Pogoń Szczecin side. Fans from both sides eagerly await the clash, hoping their teams can deliver memorable performances and the desired outcomes.