Weekend of Derbies in Ekstraklasa and Lech Poznań's Conference League Rematch

Polish football enters the decisive phase of winter-spring struggles, combining second-tier traditions with ambitions on the international stage. The main spotlight is on Poznań, where local Lech hosts Finnish KuPS Kuopio. A 2:0 victory in the first match positions „Kolejorz” as the clear favorite to advance to the round of 16 of the Conference League. Coach Niels Frederiksen, however, warns against over-optimism, reminding that a two-goal lead can be treacherous. The squad situation for the Poznań side is stable, though Daniel Hakans's return from injury will be managed carefully, and Filip Jagiełło is sidelined due to a muscle injury. Success in Europe is meant to be fuel ahead of the crucial league clash with Raków Częstochowa. Lech Poznań is one of the most decorated clubs in Poland, and its recent performances in European cups, including reaching the Conference League quarter-finals in 2023, build the brand of Polish football abroad. On the domestic front, emotions are primarily stirred by the Tricity derby. Arka Gdynia hosts Lechia Gdańsk in a match that holds significance for both sides beyond ranking points. The history of top-flight clashes between these teams is merciless for the Gdynia side, who have never defeated their Gdańsk neighbor at the highest level of competition. Arka's coach, Dawid Szwarga, sees this as a chance for a historic breakthrough, while John Carver of Lechia hopes for redemption after an unfortunate loss to Zagłębie Lubin. A political dimension is added to the rivalry by the figure of President Karol Nawrocki, a declared fan of the white-and-greens, who recently symbolically acquired the jersey of the local rival. „Nie ma nic lepszego dla sportowca, jak zrobić coś po raz pierwszy - np. wygrać z Lechią w Ekstraklasie.” (There's nothing better for an athlete than to do something for the first time - for example, to beat Lechia in the Ekstraklasa.) — Dawid Szwarga Equally heated is the Silesian Classic between GKS Katowice and Górnik Zabrze. This clash gained an additional dimension after the official end of a long-standing truce between fan groups. Although at the institutional level the clubs maintain proper relations, organizing a joint conference at the memorial site for the miners of „Wujek”, a tough fight is expected in the stands and on the pitch. In the background of these events, other clubs like Pogoń Szczecin or Widzew Łódź are making final reinforcements on the last day of the transfer window. Pogoń has contracted as many as eight new players, hoping to improve their tenth-place position in the table. The weekend round, with favorable weather forecasts, has the chance to become the most spectacular series of games this season, defining the aspirations of both cup contenders and teams fighting against relegation. The PKO BP Ekstraklasa is the top division in Poland, which for years has struggled with attendance and infrastructure issues, though recent investments in modern stadiums, like Arena Zabrze or Nowa Bukowa, have significantly improved the spectacle's comfort. „Gdy spadniesz z konia, chcesz na niego wsiąść najszybciej, jak to możliwe. I chcemy to zrobić we fredkowych derbach.” (When you fall off a horse, you want to get back on it as soon as possible. And we want to do that in the Tricity derby.) — John Carver Derby in Katowice will be played in front of nearly 13,000 spectators, promising a record atmosphere at GKS's new facility.