Jagiellonia Białystok came close to causing a sensation in the Conference League Round of 32, overturning a three-goal deficit in the second leg against Fiorentina. Despite a hat-trick from 19-year-old Bartosz Mazurek and a 4:2 win, the Polish team was eliminated after extra time with a 4:5 aggregate score. In the Round of 16, the honor of Polish football will be defended by Raków Częstochowa, who will face Fiorentina, and Lech Poznań, who after eliminating KuPS Kuopio drew their opponent in Nyon.

Mazurek's Historic Feat

The 19-year-old from Jagiellonia became the youngest Pole to score a hat-trick in European competitions, netting three goals against Fiorentina.

Round of 16 Draw Completed

Raków Częstochowa will face Fiorentina, while Lech Poznań keeps its hopes of success alive after defeating the Finnish side.

Rise in UEFA Ranking

Thanks to points earned in the Round of 32, Poland strengthened its position to 12th place in the European ranking.

Thursday evening at the Stadio Artemio Franchi brought one of the most thrilling matches in the history of Polish clubs' appearances in European competitions. Jagiellonia Białystok, written off after a 0:3 home defeat, dominated the favored Fiorentina, forcing extra time thanks to a brilliant performance from Bartosz Mazurek. The 19-year-old midfielder made history as the youngest Polish footballer to score a hat-trick on the international stage, beating the opponent's goalkeepers in the 23rd, 45th, and 49th minutes of the match. Italian media, including "La Gazzetta dello Sport," compared his playing style to Cristiano Ronaldo, giving him the highest ratings in the team. Despite the heroic performance, Adrian Siemieniec's players failed to put the finishing touch in extra time. Fatigue and defensive errors, including unfortunate interventions by goalkeeper Sławomir Abramowicz criticized by Zbigniew Boniek, allowed Fiorentina to score two goals. Although Jesus Imaz still scored to make it 4:2 for Jagiellonia in the 118th minute, the final aggregate score (5:4 for the Italians) rewarded the hosts with advancement. Coach Siemieniec, however, emphasized immense pride in the team, noting that the Polish club managed to impose its style of play on a team from a top European league, which caused consternation for coach Paolo Vanoli. Jagiellonia Białystok, founded in 1920, has been experiencing its golden period in recent years, winning its first-ever Polish championship in 2024 and boldly relying on a young coaching staff. The good results of Polish teams – including Lech Poznań's two victories over Finnish side KuPS Kuopio – translated into Poland's rise to 12th place in the UEFA ranking. Raków Częstochowa, which by finishing second in the league phase avoided the play-offs, learned its opponent for the Round of 16. The draw paired them with Fiorentina, which fans in Poland describe as a chance for Jagiellonia's revenge. The matches of this stage will be played in March, and the Polish federation hopes to further strengthen its position in the European club hierarchy.

Mentioned People

  • Bartosz Mazurek — 19-year-old hat-trick scorer for Jagiellonia Białystok against Fiorentina.
  • Adrian Siemieniec — Coach of Jagiellonia Białystok, praised for the team's offensive style of play and performance in Florence.
  • Zbigniew Boniek — Former president of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), critically assessing the goalkeeper's errors in the second leg match.
  • Jesus Imaz — Jagiellonia striker, scorer of the fourth goal in the match against Fiorentina.