Three goals, three points: #STAWIS 0:3
Wisła Kraków's players showed their full potential in Rzeszów, comfortably defeating local side Stal 3-0 in their final match before the playoffs. Coach Mariusz Jop's players played consistently and effectively – Duarte's excellent strikes and Zwoliński's goal allowed the White Star to control the match from the opening whistle to the final whistle.
From the opening minutes of the match at the Municipal Stadium in Rzeszów, the intensity of the contest was palpable. Wisła used short, combination passes, consistently moving towards the hosts' penalty area. Stal, on the other hand, attempted to dismantle the Kraków midfield with long passes and quick attacks. Both teams employed high-pressing tactics, which fueled the match's fast pace.
In the seventh minute, Duarte posed a serious threat, forcing the Stal goalkeeper into a spectacular save after a long-range shot. However, it didn't take long for the Wisła winger to find the back of the net – in the 12th minute, a precise shot from outside the penalty area landed just wide of the post, giving the White Star the lead.
Stal responded with a dangerous attempt by Kościelny after a cleverly placed corner, but the ball went wide. The hosts attempted to equalize the score with shots from outside the penalty area, which led to Piotrowski's powerful shot hitting the rim of the visiting goal in the 24th minute.
However, Wisła were clearly better organized and more focused in attack. This was demonstrated in the 36th minute by Zwoliński, who, following a brilliant individual move by Baena, slotted the ball into the net from close range. Sukiennicki had another opportunity just before the break, but his shot from a tight angle narrowly missed the target.
The second half sealed the victory for Wisła
The hosts started the second half better, quickly creating dangerous chances. They forced Letkiewicz into saves twice – first with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, and then with Kościelny's rebound. However, Wisła held their own, and their goalkeeper showed his skills again in the 59th minute, saving Kucharski's shot from a corner.
Stal attempted to seize the initiative and slow the game down, searching for precise positional solutions. However, it was to no avail – Wisła remained dangerous and effective. Duarte shone for the second time that day, again scoring from outside the penalty area in the 72nd minute. Although the Stal goalkeeper had the ball in his hands, it still found the back of the net – the score was now 0-3.
Kiss tried again in the closing stages, and after a skillful Wisła counterattack, his powerful shot was saved. On the other hand, Letkiewicz made a successful save from Thill's free kick in the 76th minute. Despite several exchanges in the final minutes, the score remained unchanged. Wisła secured the final three crucial points, strengthening their position in the table ahead of the playoffs.
Stal Rzeszów - Wisła Kraków (0:2) 0:3:
- 0:1 - Duarte 12',
- 0:2 - Zwolinski 36'
- 0:3 – Duarte 72'
Stal Rzeszów: Bąkowski - Simicak (67' Kukułka), Synoś, Kościelny, Warczak - Thill, Piotrowski - Łyczko (67' Gujda), Kucharski (67' Kądziołka), Prokić (43' Pena) - Musik (73' Bala)
Wisła Kraków: Letkiewicz – Jaroch (74' Szot), Colley, Łasicki, Mikulec (63' Kiakos) - Igbekeme (79' Baniowski), Sukiennicki – Baena (46' Kiss), Alfaro, Duarte (74' Kuziemka) - Zwoliński
Judged by: Piotr Urban (Warsaw)
Yellow cards: - Kucharski, Prokić - Colley
