Wisła Kraków beats GKS Katowice 2:1 in Ekstraklasa return after four-year absence

Return to the top flight

Before a sellout crowd of 31,344 at the Stadion im. Henryka Reymana, Wisła Kraków played their first Ekstraklasa match since relegation four years ago. The 13-time Polish champions endured multiple failed promotion bids and a painful absence from the top division, making the July 26 fixture against GKS Katowice a long-awaited celebration. Both sets of supporters created a fervent atmosphere, with Wisła's ultras unveiling a giant choreography across two stands before kick-off. GKS Katowice arrived in Kraków three days after a 1:2 home loss to MSK Žilina in the Conference League qualifiers, leaving their European hopes on a knife-edge.

First half stalemate

GKS threatened early, with Bartosz Nowak forcing a save from Wisła goalkeeper Marcel Łubik in the seventh minute and Eman Marković denied one-on-one two minutes later. Wisła grew into the half and created its best chances through Frederico Duarte. His fierce 28th-minute shot was turned away by Gabriel Kobylak, and in the 42nd minute Duarte struck the post. The half ended goalless, with only three shots on target total, reflecting a cagey tactical opening from both sides.

Decisive burst after the break

The match opened up dramatically early in the second half. In the 56th minute referee Łukasz Kuźma awarded a penalty after Marcin Wasielewski brought down Alan Uryga inside the box. Marko Bozić converted the spot kick, sending Kobylak the wrong way and igniting the home crowd. Four minutes later Raoul Giger delivered a pinpoint cross and Jordi Sánchez headed home from close range for 2:0. Wisła nearly extended the lead soon after when Sánchez finished again, but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on Arkadiusz Jędrych.

GKS mounts a late charge

Trailing by two, GKS Katowice pushed forward with greater urgency. Their pressure paid off in the 79th minute when Szymon Bartlewicz found the net after defensive disorganization by the hosts, trimming the deficit to 2:1. The visitors pressed for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but the two-goal burst early in the half proved enough. Wisła held on to secure three points and mark their return to the Ekstraklasa with a win.