Poland’s top-tier football league returns after 54 days as powerhouses that struggled last season aim to come back to the top and dethrone one of the most surprising champions of recent decades.
In May, reigning champions Jagiellonia Białystok scooped their maiden title in the 104th year of their existence, beating Śląsk Wrocław on goal difference. Shockingly enough, both teams were fighting to avoid relegation just a season before.
Previous title holders Raków Częstochowa struggled amid the departure of their talismanic coach Marek Papszun and finished seventh in the league table. Another big club, Lech Poznań, also failed to qualify for the European competition, taking the fifth spot.
Among the three arguably biggest clubs in Poland, only Legia Warsaw “saved” their season, finishing third, thus making it to the Conference League qualifiers.
Who is in pole position?
The 99th edition of the official Polish championships looks extremely interesting. With Papszun’s return to Raków, the team is considered by many pundits to be poised to return to the top of the league.
Previous title holders Raków Częstochowa struggled amid the departure of their talismanic coach Marek Papszun and finished seventh in the league table. Another big club, Lech Poznań, also failed to qualify for the European competition, taking the fifth spot.
Among the three arguably biggest clubs in Poland, only Legia Warsaw “saved” their season, finishing third, thus making it to the Conference League qualifiers.
Who is in pole position?
The 99th edition of the official Polish championships looks extremely interesting. With Papszun’s return to Raków, the team is considered by many pundits to be poised to return to the top of the league.
But it’s Legia who made the most spectacular moves in the transfer window, bringing in former Premier League player Rúben Vinagre, Pedro Gonçalves from Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, and the three-time top scorer in the Swiss league, Jean-Pierre Nsame.
Following a disappointing campaign, Lech Poznań decided to hire Danish coach Niels Frederiksen. So far, the team has not made any spectacular signings, and it is difficult to predict whether the new manager will give the current squad a vital boost to bounce back.
Jagiellonia has not had a transfer frenzy so far, although they brought in a couple of promising players, while the runners-up, Śląsk, have lost Ekstraklasa's top scorer, Erik Expósito, who netted 19 times last season. The Spaniard moved to Qatari Al-Ahli.
Both Jagiellonia and Śląsk will also experience a new, harsh reality of playing roughly every three days due to their participation in the European cups, which could have a strong impact on their domestic league performances.
The newcomers
The newly promoted sides last season did not perform well overall. The fate of ŁKS Łódź was already sealed four game weeks before the end of the season, and, just like Ruch Chorzów, they were relegated. A total underdog, in turn, Puszcza Niepołomice, avoided relegation, although they had to fight for their place in the Ekstraklasa until the end.
Now, the newcomers to the PKO BP Ekstraklasa are: Lechia Gdańsk, returning after only a one-year break; Motor Lublin, making their first performance at the highest level since 32 years; and GKS Katowice, who previously played in the top league in 2005.
The 2024/2025 season of Ekstraklasa kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. local time, when Jagiellonia will host Puszcza Niepołomice. The final gameweek of the season is scheduled for May 24–25. Selected games will be broadcast by the Polish public broadcaster TVP.
Following a disappointing campaign, Lech Poznań decided to hire Danish coach Niels Frederiksen. So far, the team has not made any spectacular signings, and it is difficult to predict whether the new manager will give the current squad a vital boost to bounce back.
Jagiellonia has not had a transfer frenzy so far, although they brought in a couple of promising players, while the runners-up, Śląsk, have lost Ekstraklasa's top scorer, Erik Expósito, who netted 19 times last season. The Spaniard moved to Qatari Al-Ahli.
Both Jagiellonia and Śląsk will also experience a new, harsh reality of playing roughly every three days due to their participation in the European cups, which could have a strong impact on their domestic league performances.
The newcomers
The newly promoted sides last season did not perform well overall. The fate of ŁKS Łódź was already sealed four game weeks before the end of the season, and, just like Ruch Chorzów, they were relegated. A total underdog, in turn, Puszcza Niepołomice, avoided relegation, although they had to fight for their place in the Ekstraklasa until the end.
Now, the newcomers to the PKO BP Ekstraklasa are: Lechia Gdańsk, returning after only a one-year break; Motor Lublin, making their first performance at the highest level since 32 years; and GKS Katowice, who previously played in the top league in 2005.
The 2024/2025 season of Ekstraklasa kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. local time, when Jagiellonia will host Puszcza Niepołomice. The final gameweek of the season is scheduled for May 24–25. Selected games will be broadcast by the Polish public broadcaster TVP.
Hej @_Ekstraklasa_, uszanowanie❗🔥
— TVP SPORT (@sport_tvppl) July 17, 2024
2024/2025 ✅
2025/2026 ✅
2026/2027 ✅
Komunikat 👉 https://t.co/fZF8Cuucfn
PS. Lech Poznań – Górnik Zabrze już w najbliższą niedzielę o godzinie 17:30! pic.twitter.com/MTAHlcQlL1
Source: TVP World, PAP
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