Oskar Pietuszewski becomes FC Porto hero. Polish clubs learn opponents in Europa Conference League last 16

The incredible feat of Oskar Pietuszewski became the main topic in sports media in Poland and Portugal. The young forward, representing the Dragons, needed only thirteen seconds from the opening whistle to get on the scoresheet in the clash against FC Arouca. This achievement is not only his debut goal for the first team but also one of the fastest goals in the history of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Media outlets highlighted the maturity of the seventeen-year-old, who, after scoring, made an emotional gesture dedicated to the deceased mother of a teammate. Although the Pole had to leave the pitch due to an injury, his performance was rated extremely highly, and experts predict a swift call-up to the senior Polish national team ahead of the upcoming playoff matches. Simultaneously, Polish fans closely followed the draw for the last 16 of the Europa Conference League. Lech Poznań, after eliminating their previous opponent, faces a difficult task in a two-legged tie with Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainians, despite the painful loss of their training base due to the war, remain a strong brand team, regularly picking up points in European competitions. Interesting reports suggest Shakhtar's reluctance to play their home leg on Polish soil, indicating a potential choice of a stadium in Germany. Meanwhile, Raków Częstochowa will face last season's finalist, Italian side ACF Fiorentina. Italian media, commenting on the draw result, labelled Raków as a "team of iron discipline," heralding a demanding clash for both sides. Polish club football is currently experiencing its best period in the 21st century in terms of the UEFA ranking. The consistent point-scoring by Lech, Raków, and previously Jagiellonia has allowed Poland to realistically fight for two permanent spots in the Champions League qualifiers in the coming seasons. The current situation in the national ranking is extremely favorable for Poland. Thanks to two teams advancing to the last 16, the country's UEFA coefficient has reached unprecedented levels. Experts note that every subsequent win or draw in the knockout phase brings Poland closer to the top fifteen of the ranking, which, by the 2027/28 season, will radically change the situation for Polish cup participants. Although Jagiellonia Białystok was one step away from joining the finalists, ultimately Lech and Raków will represent the Ekstraklasa in March. Bookmakers assess the chances of the Polish teams cautiously, pointing to the market valuations of the opponents' squads, but the tactical pragmatism shown by the Polish coaching staffs has repeatedly surprised favorites.