Pogoń Szczecin returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over newcomers Wieczysta Kraków in the 6th round of the Ekstraklasa. The decisive goals came in the second half, first from Darko Churlinov and then from debutant Jordi Sánchez in added time.
Churlinov breaks the deadlock
After four matches without a win, including a Polish Cup loss to Śląsk Wrocław, Pogoń needed this result. The game against the league newcomers, who were second from bottom before the match, was not straightforward, however. The hosts had the initiative but struggled to convert it into a goal for a long time. In the first half, Semedo hit the post and Maigaard struck the crossbar. "we had a goalless draw at halftime and it must be admitted that we didn't see many accurate shots here," reported the portal.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute. Darko Churlinov, assisted by Patryk Dziczek, dribbled past Kamil Pestka in the penalty area and fired an extremely powerful shot under the crossbar to make it 1-0. It was the Macedonian's first league goal of the season and a moment that relieved the team.
Sánchez's debut with a happy ending
After taking the lead, Pogoń controlled the tempo, with goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru making several interventions to keep a clean sheet. The Spaniard, last season's top scorer, needed only a few moments to get on the scoresheet. After another pass from Dziczke, Sánchez found the empty net, sealing the final 2-0 scoreline. It was his first goal in the new colours.
The victory allowed Pogoń to improve their recent form, which in the last five matches reads WDLDD, one win, three draws, and one defeat. Previously, the team drew with Wisła Płock (1-1) and lost to Śląsk Wrocław (2-1). The senior squad status, including injuries to Nikolaos Botis and Rajmund Molnár, can be followed on our squad page.
The newcomer's problems deepen
For Wieczysta Kraków, the defeat in Szczecin is another blow in their fight for survival. The team under new coach Željko Kopić, who replaced Kazimierz Moskal after four matches, is still searching for stability. If Raków Częstochowa earns points in their match, Wieczysta will fall to the very bottom of the Ekstraklasa table. "Pogoń triumphed 2-0, taking all three points, and Wieczysta Kraków, if Raków Częstochowa scores appropriately on 15 September against Zagłębie Lubin, will find itself at the very bottom of the Ekstraklasa table," it was summarised.
For Pogoń, this is an important step forward before the international break. The next test awaits the team on 21 November, when they will host Śląsk Wrocław at the Municipal Stadium in a rematch of September's defeat. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available in our fixtures calendar.
