First step taken: #WISKFL 2:0

We've been waiting for such European evenings for a long time! In the first match against KF Llapi, Wisła proved superior, defeating the Kosovo team 2-0. The rematch awaits us in a week, and the White Star will head into the match with a goal advantage.

Wisła Kraków's return to European competition couldn't have started any better! In the second minute, after a long throw-in and confusion in the opposition penalty area, Igor Sapała found the ball. The central midfielder opened the scoring with a powerful shot to the far post. The ball grazed the metal structure, but that didn't stop it from finding the back of the net. A great start, and it's 1-0!

After an electrifying start, the visitors regained their seemingly lost concentration and made their first attempts to threaten Chichkan's goal. After about 10 minutes, they managed to launch a dangerous-looking counterattack. However, debutant Mikulec showed his presence of mind, cutting inside and clearing the ball out of the striker's path.

The greatest threat to Wisła's goal came from set pieces. KF Llapi clearly prepared for them, always taking advantage of pre-planned opportunities. However, Kazimierz Moskal's team's defense was well-disposed against them, effectively eliminating the threat.

After the half-hour mark, the pace of play slowed somewhat. The White Star found their chances by playing through passes behind the Kosovo defenders. This led to two promising opportunities. Rodado once came close to testing Avdyla's form today, but couldn't quite reach the ball. However, on the next attack, a cross from the right wing almost resulted in an own goal. Unfortunately, luck was on the visitors' side, and the ball left the field.

Wisła tried to increase their lead before the break with a series of corner kicks and runs down the wings. However, the score remained unchanged, and referee Marc Nagtegaal called for a fifteen-minute break.

Increase the goal advance

The visitors started the second half with a change. Musolli came on for Ramadani, who was already on a yellow card. This change indicated that the blue-clad players, known for their sharp play, had no intention of letting up after the break.

After the restart, the hosts had the first great opportunity. Rodado skillfully secured the ball in the penalty area, firing a shot towards goal, which was parried by the goalkeeper. Baena then followed up with a close-range shot. However, he lifted the ball too high, and it hit the crossbar. The score remained unchanged.

The Krakow team was in control, and the Podujevo team tried to equalize the score with counterattacks. With an hour left on the clock, Alan Uryga had a golden opportunity to score. Driving down the left flank, Sukiennicki cleverly delivered a cross to the edge of the box. The team captain from the R22 found the net and unleashed a powerful shot. However, goalkeeper KF Llapi was well-positioned to ward off the threat.

With the final minutes of the match remaining, the visitors began to assert themselves again after a long delay. Coach Batatina brought in fresh players, forcing Wisła to put in a defensive effort. Colley encouraged his teammates to build up a higher lead away from their own goal, and the players in red shirts efficiently dealt with the opposition's pressure. Until the final whistle, the hosts continued to strive to increase their lead before heading to Kosovo for the second leg. In the fifth and final minute of added time, Wisła managed to win a corner. A deep cross was intercepted in the air by Joseph Colley, who was active late on, and the ball hit the crossbar again, much to the frustration of the crowd. However, the unstoppable Angel Rodado collected the loose ball and scored with a well-placed shot, making the first leg 2-0! The Kosovo coach was clearly disheartened, earning him a red card. This marked the final moment of Thursday's match.

Wisła Kraków - KF Llapi 1932 2:0 (1:0)

• 1:0 Panting
• 2' 2:0 Rodado 90+5'

Wisła Kraków: Chichkan - Colley, Jaroch, Mikulec, Uryga - Carbo, Sapała (68' Młyński) - Baena (81' Kiakos), Gogół (68' Dziedzic), Sukiennicki - Rodado

KF Llapi 1932: Avdyli - Ahmed (78' Peci), Krasniqi, Rama, Useini, Vokrri - Baftiu, Blakqori (78' Bytyqi), Namani, Ramadani (46' Musolli) - Januzi (73' Geshijan)

Yellow cards: Jaroch, Sukiennicki - Ramadani, Namani, Musolli

Red cards: Tahir Batatina

Referee: Marc Nagtegaal (NDL)

Attendance: 24,403