Lech Poznań and Raków Częstochowa Learn Their Opponents in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16

Polish club football is experiencing one of its best periods in recent decades, as confirmed by Friday's draw for the UEFA Conference League round of 16. For the first time in years, two Polish teams will compete at this stage simultaneously. Lech Poznań, who eliminated Norwegian Bodø/Glimt in the previous round, drew Shakhtar Donetsk. Meanwhile, Raków Częstochowa, after a thriller with Italian Monza, will face the prestigious Fiorentina. Sports media immediately picked up on the logistical and diplomatic difficulties accompanying these clashes, especially in the context of competing with the Ukrainian champion. Conference League has become a real opportunity for Polish teams to significantly advance in the UEFA country ranking, which translates into an easier path to European competitions in subsequent seasons. Experts and bookmakers assess Raków's chances as demanding but realistic, recalling that the Częstochowa team has already surprised Serie A sides. However, Fiorentina, last season's finalist, commands respect with its brand and budget. For Lech, the situation is more complicated due to statements from Shakhtar's coaching staff that sparked considerable controversy in Polish sports media. Since the UEFA competition reform in 2021, Polish clubs have regularly scored points in the group stage, but having two teams in the top sixteen is an achievement not seen since the cup reforms in the early 1990s.Shakhtar Donetsk coach Marino Pušić triggered a wave of comments by suggesting he does not want his team to play home matches in Poland. He cited complicated logistics and exhausting travel affecting his players' condition. These words were met with a cool reception in Poznań and Warsaw, as Polish cities have offered Ukrainian clubs stadiums and training infrastructure since the start of Russian aggression. Meanwhile, in the Ekstraklasa itself, Lech Poznań is grappling with mundane but costly problems. The terrible condition of the pitch at the stadium on Bułgarska Street forced an immediate pitch replacement, estimated to cost nearly 800,000 złoty. 800 tys. zł — will be consumed by the express turf replacement at the stadium in PoznańThe decision on the new surface is crucial ahead of the upcoming league clash against Raków, as well as the cup matches. Similar steps were taken in Łódź, where the pitch will be renovated before Widzew's match against Lech. This situation shows the significant infrastructural challenges clubs face when playing on multiple fronts in unfavorable weather. Despite these difficulties, fan sentiment is optimistic, and the draw results are considered "electrifying" and offering hope for further rounds. „To be honest, I don't want to play in Poland anymore. The logistics are too difficult, and our players spend too much time traveling instead of being on the pitch.” — Shakhtar Donetsk coach