The 48th Tricity Derby ended in a share of the points after a dramatic match in Gdynia. Arka Gdynia led 2:0 at halftime, controlling the flow of the game, but Lechia Gdańsk managed to come back in the second half. The match was full of twists and turns, spectacular goals, and refereeing controversies in the final moments, which sparked heated discussions among the coaching staffs of both teams.

Draw After a Great Comeback

Lechia Gdańsk managed to overcome a two-goal deficit, setting the final score of the 48th Tricity Derby at 2:2.

Refereeing Controversies

Arka's coach and experts criticize the referees' decisions regarding penalty area incidents in the match's closing stages.

Incredible Goal by a Teenager

A key moment was the phenomenal strike by a 19-year-old footballer, recognized as the highlight of the match.

The match between Arka Gdynia and Lechia Gdańsk delivered the full range of emotions fans expect from the most important clash in the region. The hosts started the game with immense intensity, allowing them to build a two-goal lead. Arka dominated the midfield, effectively neutralizing the visitors' attacks, and seemed to be cruising towards a historic victory in the Ekstraklasa. However, the second half brought a radical change in the game's picture. Lechia, playing under pressure, opted for an offensive approach, which quickly paid off with a goal to reduce the deficit. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular shot by a 19-year-old player who found the top corner from long range, signaling the start of the comeback. The derby rivalry between Gdynia and Gdańsk has been ongoing since 1964. For both clubs, these matches have not only a sporting dimension but also a prestigious one, defining dominance in the Gdańsk metropolitan area for the coming months. As time went on, the tension on the pitch grew, and the pace of the game did not slow down despite player fatigue. Lechia managed to equalize, capitalizing on a moment of defensive lapse by the Gdynia side. The end of the match brought the most controversy, especially regarding decisions made by the VAR system. Arka's coach, Dawid Szwarga, did not hide his irritation with some of the refereeing decisions, suggesting his team was hard done by in key moments. Meanwhile, referee Paweł Raczkowski faced a wave of criticism over the interpretation of incidents in the penalty area, described by the media as "fishy situations." The event's logistics posed a significant challenge for city services. In Gdynia, a temporary traffic reorganization was implemented, and police secured key access points to avoid incidents between fan groups. Despite a travel ban for Lechia fans, the atmosphere in the stadium was extremely tense. The 2:2 result means both teams add one point to their tally, which, in the context of the fight for league goals, leaves a sense of dissatisfaction in both camps, although neutral fans were treated to one of the best spectacles of the season. „Czujemy się skrzywdzeni po niektórych decyzjach, które zapadły na boisku” (We feel hard done by after some of the decisions that were made on the pitch) — Dawid Szwarga

Mentioned People

  • Dawid Szwarga — Arka Gdynia coach, criticized refereeing decisions after the match.
  • Paweł Raczkowski — Main referee of the Tricity Derby, at the center of refereeing controversies.
  • Karol Nawrocki — President of the Institute of National Remembrance, whose presence at the match was of media interest.