U-19: Victory against Ruch in the first friendly

Coach Karol Nędza's men faced Ruch Chorzów at home on Saturday morning in their first friendly in preparation for the spring round of the CLJ. The Kraków team showed good form, capping the match with a decisive 4-1 victory thanks to goals from Filip Kowalski, Wiktor Benedyktowicz, Jakub Czubernat, and a penalty from Łukasz Staniów.

Almost from the very beginning, both teams faced the daunting challenge of facing not only each other but also challenging weather conditions. Heavy snowfall, which significantly impacted visibility and instantly covered the pitch, made it difficult to play the ball and launch attacks. Consequently, there was little action in this part of the match, and clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Wisła and Ruch did their best to overcome the difficulties, but the weather proved to be a challenge. One of the White Star's most dangerous moves came in the 25th minute, when, following a brilliant pass from Maciej Szmydt on the right, Jakub Janiszewski headed the ball towards goal, but failed to find the back of the net. Chorzów also kept up their efforts and even managed to force a save from Maciej Wolicki, but the final score remained unchanged.

Winning the snow skirmish

The second half began with a significant delay, due to the need to get the pitch in a safe condition. When the teams finally took to the pitch, the visitors took control and managed to surprise the Kraków team, taking the lead in the 50th minute. However, the players, led by coach Nędza, were not about to give up easily and gradually began to seize the initiative. Just a few dozen seconds after conceding a goal, Wiktor Benedyktowicz shot at Ruch's goal, but the shot was saved by the Chorzów goalkeeper. Wisła didn't give up and soon got their way when Łukasz Staniów crossed into the penalty area from the sidelines, where Benedyktowicz masterfully controlled the ball and confidently slotted it home. Just a few dozen seconds later, Wisła attacked again, and after a precise pass from Staniów to Jakub Czubernat, he fired a superb shot, giving the hosts the lead. When the excitement subsided, the Kraków team struck a decisive blow. A White Star player was fouled in the Ruch penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the 11-meter line. Łukasz Staniów stepped up and confidently slotted the ball into the net, making the score 4-1.

Wisła Kraków U-19 - Ruch Chorzów U-19 4:1 (0:0)
goals for Wisła: Filip Kowalski 61', Wiktor Benedyktowicz 72', Jakub Czubernat 76', Łukasz Staniów 79' (k.)

Wisła Kraków U-19 (starting lineup) : Wolicki - Rokosz, Urbanik, Furman, Maszewski - Janiszewski, Molenda, Michałowski, Olej - Szmydt, Wójcicki

Also played: Staniów, Czubernat, Kowalski, Wójcik, Dusik, Benedyktowicz, Woyna-Orlewicz