Pogoń Szczecin beat Motor Lublin 3:1 with goals from Churlinov, Szalai and Acosta

Match overview

Pogoń Szczecin secured their second consecutive PKO BP Ekstraklasa victory on 8 August 2026, defeating Motor Lublin 3:1 at their home stadium in Szczecin. The match, refereed by Szymon Marciniak from Płock, drew 19,308 spectators. Goals from Darko Churlinov in the 17th minute, Attila Szalai in the 43rd, and Kellyn Acosta in the 90th gave Pogoń the win, while Makan Aiko scored a late consolation for Motor in the 90th minute. The result left Motor with their second defeat in three matches this season.

First half: clinical Pogoń

Despite Motor starting pragmatically and creating several chances, Pogoń were ruthlessly efficient with their opportunities. In the 17th minute, Dimitrios Keramitsis headed against the post from a throw-in, and the ball rolled along the goal line before Churlinov tapped it in from close range. The goal, confirmed after a VAR check, was Churlinov's first for Pogoń and the club's first home goal of the season. Motor pressed for an equaliser, with Mbaye Jacques N'Diaye and Fabio Ronaldo coming close, but could not find the net. In the 43rd minute, Musa Juwara delivered a curled cross from the touchline, Linus Wahlqvist headed it down, and Attila Szalai finished from four metres out to make it 2:0. Szalai's strike was also his first goal for Pogoń.

Second half: Motor push, Pogoń respond

Motor emerged from the break with more intent. Fabio Ronaldo fired just wide in the 55th minute after a solo run, and Karol Czubak forced saves from Pogoń goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru around the 70th minute. Pogoń coach Oscar Garcia introduced substitutes Kellyn Acosta, Filip Cuić, and Benjamin Mendy in the second half, while Kamil Grosicki and Hussein Ali entered in the 80th minute. Motor's persistence finally paid off in the 90th minute when Makan Aiko struck beautifully into the top corner from outside the penalty area, briefly raising hopes of an equaliser.

Late drama settles the result

Motor's hopes lasted barely a minute. Kamil Grosicki, who had come on as a substitute, delivered an excellent pass to Kellyn Acosta, who scored to make it 3:1. The assist was Grosicki's first of the season. The goal extinguished any chance of a Motor comeback and confirmed Pogoń's second straight win, following their 2:0 victory over Cracovia.

Misiura's return to Szczecin

Motor Lublin travelled to Szczecin with coach Mariusz Misiura, who was born and raised in the city and played for Pogoń's reserves and first team. His previous trip to his hometown had ended in a 0:3 defeat with Wisła Płock. Misiura took over at Motor after replacing Mateusz Stolarski and was seeking his first win with the club. Motor's away support was limited, as many travelling fans experienced train travel problems that prevented them from reaching the stadium.