UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Draw: Lech Poznań and Raków Częstochowa to Play for Quarterfinal Spot

Polish club football is experiencing one of its best periods in recent European cup history. After the conclusion of the play-off round, in which Jagiellonia Białystok fought until the last minute for advancement against Italian Fiorentina, fans' attention focused on the draw for the round of 16 of the Conference League. Lech Poznań and Raków Częstochowa found themselves among the sixteen best teams in this competition, significantly improving Poland's position in the UEFA country ranking. This success is all the more valuable as both teams display mature football, capable of competing with representatives from Europe's top leagues. Lech Poznań will face Ukrainian Shakhtar Donetsk in the upcoming round. This draw prompted immediate reactions, particularly from the Donetsk team's coach, who emotionally expressed to the media his reluctance to continue playing home matches on Polish territory. The Shakhtar squad has been enjoying Polish hospitality for some time due to the ongoing armed conflict, but the coach appealed to the federation for a possible change of venue, which became one of the main media topics after the ceremony in Nyon. Meanwhile, Bartosz Mazurek, who etched his name in history with a hat-trick in the previous round, is emerging as a figure who could play a key role in Kolejorz's offensive plans. Experts point out that while the draw was not the easiest, Polish clubs are not in a hopeless position, a fact also confirmed by optimistic odds from bookmakers. Since the UEFA competition reform in 2021, Polish clubs have been systematically improving their efficiency in Europe, translating into higher broadcasting rights revenues and the possibility of direct qualification to group stages in subsequent seasons. The second Ekstraklasa representative, Raków Częstochowa, is preparing for a clash with a demanding opponent from Italy. Media on the Apennine Peninsula speak respectfully about the tactical discipline of Marek Papszun's team, calling it an „inconvenient and extremely organized” squad. Coach Papszun himself tempers expectations in interviews, noting that each subsequent round means entering a higher level of difficulty, and that Jagiellonia Białystok, despite not advancing, showed how close Polish teams are to the European elite. On social media, a post by coach Siemieniec's wife also resonated loudly, as she defended her husband and the team after the fierce battle with Fiorentina, criticizing naysayers and emphasizing the historical dimension of Jagiellonia's achievements this year. The coming weeks will verify the ambitions of Polish clubs, which have a real chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, which would be an unprecedented achievement for domestic football. „Jagiellonia jest na zupełnie innym etapie niż my” (Jagiellonia is at a completely different stage than we are) — Marek Papszun

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the organizational and financial success of the clubs, seeing it as proof of the professionalization of Polish football. Conservative media focus on national pride and the need to support clubs in the face of logistical challenges related to the war in Ukraine.