Wisła Kraków Triumphs Over Kotwica Despite Injury Woes

Wisła Kraków faced Kotwica Kołobrzeg in a thrilling encounter on March 28, 2025, in the 25th round of the Betclic 1 Liga, securing a hard-fought 2:1 victory. The match, held at the historic Stadion Miejski in Kraków, saw the home side initially struggle but ultimately prevail, thanks in part to a key performance from their captain, Alan Uryga, and a crucial penalty converted by Angel Rodado.

From the outset, Wisła Kraków, managed by Kazimierz Moskal, demonstrated their attacking intent, pushing forward with vigor. However, it was Kotwica Kołobrzeg that struck first. In the 51st minute, a VAR review led to a penalty for the visitors after a handball by Wisła's Wiktor Biedrzycki. Denys Favorov stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Patryk Letkiewicz, giving Kotwica a surprising 1:0 lead.

Despite this setback, Wisła did not falter. Just four minutes later, the home side found their equalizer. Marko Poletanović delivered a pinpoint cross that found Uryga, who headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1:1. This goal ignited the crowd and revitalized the team.

Wisła continued to press for the lead, and their efforts paid off in the 65th minute when Rodado was awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box by Kotwica's Tomasz Wełna. Rodado, who has been a standout performer for Wisła this season, took the responsibility and confidently converted the penalty, putting his team ahead 2:1.

However, the joy was short-lived for Wisła fans as Rodado suffered a shoulder injury during the celebration and had to be substituted by Olivier Sukiennicki in the 71st minute. The extent of Rodado's injury remains uncertain, but it casts a shadow over his future participation in upcoming matches.

Throughout the match, Wisła Kraków dominated possession, holding 56% of the ball compared to Kotwica's 44%. They also significantly outshot their opponents, registering 9 shots on target and 14 off target, while Kotwica managed only 2 shots on target. Despite their control of the game, Wisła faced a tense finish as Kotwica pushed for an equalizer.

As the match approached its conclusion, Kotwica's Favorov received a red card for a foul on Mikulec in stoppage time, leaving the visitors with ten men. This incident effectively sealed the victory for Wisła, allowing them to secure three vital points in their campaign.

With this win, Wisła Kraków climbs to 6th place in the Betclic 1 Liga standings, now boasting 40 points, while Kotwica remains in 13th place with 21 points. The victory also sets the stage for Wisła's upcoming Super Cup match against Jagiellonia, scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00, where they will look to capitalize on their recent form.

In the post-match analysis, coach Kazimierz Moskal expressed relief at the team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character to come back after going behind. The team responded well, and I am proud of their effort today." However, he also acknowledged the concern surrounding Rodado's injury, emphasizing the importance of their star player in the squad.

As Wisła prepares for the Super Cup, the team will need to regroup and assess Rodado's condition, as his absence could significantly impact their chances in the upcoming fixture. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery, hoping he can return to the pitch soon.

In conclusion, Wisła Kraków's victory over Kotwica Kołobrzeg not only boosts their league standing but also raises questions about their depth and resilience as they navigate the challenges of the season. With a crucial match ahead, all eyes will be on the team as they aim for glory in the Super Cup.