Lech Poznań Faces Chance for Advancement, Hot Derby Weekend in Ekstraklasa

Poznań's Lech approaches the return leg against KuPS Kuopio in a comfortable position after a 2:0 away victory. However, coach Niels Frederiksen tempers optimism, reminding that the first match was played almost entirely with a numerical advantage for the Polish team. Kolejorz is currently on a run of four consecutive victories, which has allowed them to return to the very top of the Ekstraklasa table. Lech's squad situation remains variable – Daniel Hakans returns from injury, but Filip Jagiełło is out due to a muscle injury. A win in the European cups is meant to be merely a prelude for the Poznań side to Sunday's league blockbuster against Raków Częstochowa. Simultaneously, the 23rd round of the Ekstraklasa stirs emotions, inaugurated by the Tricity Derby. Arka Gdynia hosts Lechia Gdańsk, hoping for their first-ever victory over their local rival at the top level of competition. Statistics so far ruthlessly favor the Gdańsk side, who have won 12 out of 16 previous meetings in the top flight. Arka's coach, Dawid Szwarga, emphasizes the importance of controlling emotions, while John Carver of Lechia hopes for a quick recovery after the recent loss to Zagłębie Lubin. An interesting non-sporting note is the declaration of President Karol Nawrocki, a declared Lechia fan, who recently received a commemorative jersey from the Gdynia side. The rivalry between Arka and Lechia, known as the Tricity Derby, dates back to 1964. For decades, these clashes stirred enormous social emotions, often extending beyond the sporting framework, constituting an important element of the local identity of Gdynia and Gdańsk.Saturday evening will be graced by the Silesian Classic between GKS Katowice and Górnik Zabrze. This will be a match with a particular subtext, as for the first time since 2009, fans of both teams will not sit together in the stands as allies. The official break of the "sztama" (alliance) occurred in December 2025, and the current neutrality pact means a return to the traditional sector division. Nevertheless, the clubs demonstrated mutual respect by organizing a joint press conference at the memorial site for the victims of the pacification of the "Wujek" mine, aiming to emphasize a shared regional identity beyond club divisions. In the shadow of the big media, other Ekstraklasa teams return to competition. Cracovia will face Piast Gliwice, grappling with serious problems in the attacking line, while Pogoń Szczecin hosts Widzew Łódź. Both teams were extremely active on the last day of the transfer window, signing a total of over a dozen new players. The Szczecin clash promises to be a meeting of squads transformed by transfers, fighting to escape the mid-table and join the race for European cups next season.