Legia Warszawa beats Pogoń Szczecin 1-0 on 96th-minute goal by Zoran Arsenić in Ekstraklasa opener

Season opener in Szczecin

The 2026/27 Ekstraklasa campaign began on Friday evening with a full house of 20,757 at the Stadion Miejski in Szczecin. Both Pogoń and Legia were looking to rebound from disappointing 2025/26 seasons: Pogoń finished ninth with 15 defeats, while Legia ended sixth and missed out on European qualification. New Pogoń coach Oscar Garcia handed a debut to former Legia striker Jean-Pierre Nsame, while Legia's Marek Papszun fielded seven Polish players in his starting eleven.

Legia's first-half dominance

Legia controlled the opening period, creating the better chances. In the 5th minute, Łukasz Zjawiński's header forced a save from Valentin Cojocaru. Pogoń responded in the 20th minute when Musa Juwara shot wide, but the visitors remained more threatening. Mileta Rajović had a goal disallowed for handball, and in the 31st minute Nsame's powerful header was brilliantly tipped over by Otto Hindrich. Legia outshot Pogoń 8-3 before the break, yet the score remained goalless.

Rajović's frustration continues

The second half followed a similar pattern. Rajović again found the net in the 54th minute, only for the referee to rule it out for another handball. The Danish forward then missed a glaring opportunity in the 65th minute, shooting straight at a defender with much of the goal gaping. Pogoń's best spell came after the introduction of Kamil Grosicki, Fredrik Ulvestad and Mads Agger on the hour mark. Grosicki raced through in the 65th minute but fired into the side-netting, and later his cross just eluded Paul Mukairu.

Late drama and Arsenić's winner

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Papszun sent on summer signing Zoran Arsenić in the 88th minute. The Croatian defender, acquired from Raków Częstochowa, proved decisive. In the sixth minute of added time, a long throw from Rafał Augustyniak caused chaos in the Pogoń penalty area. Paweł Wszołek's mis-hit shot fell to Arsenić, who forced the ball over the line from close range. It was his first goal for Legia and secured a 1-0 away win.

Regardless of which players are on the pitch, it must be a team with character, playing as well as possible. For victory. Every day works in our favour.

What the result means

The victory gives Legia an early three points in the 2026/27 campaign, while Pogoń are left to rue missed chances and a late lapse in concentration. The match highlighted Legia's control in midfield and the profligacy of Rajović, who will need to improve his finishing. For Pogoń, Nsame's debut showed promise but no end product. The season continues on Saturday with Jagiellonia Białystok hosting Korona Kielce.