Widzew Łódź and Motor Lublin trade four goals in 2-2 Ekstraklasa opener as Świderski returns to Polish football after 7-year absence
Four goals and 17,256 fans marked the first matchday of the 2026-27 PKO BP Ekstraklasa season at Stadion Widzewa, where the hosts twice surrendered a lead before finishing level with Motor Lublin.
First-half drama
Widzew Łódź and Motor Lublin opened their 2026-27 PKO BP Ekstraklasa campaigns with an eventful 2-2 draw at al. Piłsudskiego on Sunday. The visitors struck first in the 13th minute when Sebastian Bergier inadvertently headed a free-kick into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Bartłomiej Drągowski with no chance. The lead lasted only seven minutes, as Mariusz Fornalczyk headed home from close range after a flowing move down the right involving Fran Alvarez and Ángel Baena.
I was supposed to be where I was and finish that move. I'm glad it worked out.
Widzew completed the turnaround in the 28th minute after referee Paweł Raczkowski consulted the VAR monitor and awarded a penalty for handball by Mateusz Łęgowski. Bergier converted from the spot, partially atoning for his earlier own goal. Łęgowski disputed the call at halftime, telling Canal+ Sport that the ball struck his knee before his arm. The half ended 2-1 after eight minutes of stoppage time caused partly by pyrotechnics from the stands that briefly halted play.
Second-half equaliser and missed chances
Motor emerged sharply after the interval and levelled within four minutes. Mbaye Ndiaye collected a Karol Czubak pass and, after being denied in a one-on-one moments earlier, fired a precise unsignalled shot from outside the box that clipped the post on its way past Drągowski. The Senegalese midfielder had earlier wasted a clear chance just after Widzew's second goal, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Motor, who underwent a squad overhaul during the summer, grew in confidence after the equaliser and threatened to take all three points. Widzew's defence looked increasingly vulnerable, and the hosts were fortunate when a late Motor shot struck the woodwork. At the other end, efforts by Alvarez and Fornalczyk failed to beat Mihai Popa in the Motor goal.
- Sebastian Bergier heads into his own net; Motor lead 1-0
- Mariusz Fornalczyk heads Widzew level at 1-1
- Bergier converts penalty after VAR review; Widzew lead 2-1
- Mbaye Ndiaye equalises with long-range strike; 2-2
- Karol Świderski enters as substitute, returning to Ekstraklasa after 7 years
Świderski's long-awaited return
The 65th minute brought a moment many inside the stadium had anticipated: Karol Świderski entered the pitch as a substitute for Baena. The 29-year-old Poland international last played in the Polish top flight on 21 December 2018 for Jagiellonia Białystok, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Piast Gliwice. Since then he has played for Charlotte FC, Hellas Verona, PAOK Saloniki, and Panathinaikos Athens, earning 51 senior caps for Poland. Widzew head coach Aleksandar Vuković chose to start him on the bench.
Motor also fielded a returning Poland international. Bartosz Bereszyński, with 59 national team appearances, started the match and played 83 minutes before being replaced by Plavotić. The right-back returned to the Polish league after nearly a decade abroad.
Atmosphere and next fixtures
The attendance of 17,256 produced a vibrant atmosphere, complete with an elaborate pre-match display featuring a phoenix, symbolising Widzew's hopes for rejuvenation in the new season. Despite the draw, supporters stayed vocal until the final whistle.
Widzew travel to Wisła Płock for their second-round match, while Motor host Jagiellonia Białystok in Lublin. Both sides will view the point as a platform: Widzew, a candidate for European qualification, will rue the dropped points at home; Motor, rebuilt over the summer, can take encouragement from an away result against fancied opposition.
