Polish football enjoyed a night to remember, with both Jagiellonia Białystok and Legia Warsaw recording memorable victories in European competition.
In the Europa Conference League, Jagiellonia left it late in Denmark to score the winner in the 97th minute against FC Copenhagen.
Having fallen behind in the 13th minute, Jagiellonia left the pitch at half-time having done much to demonstrate why they had entered the match as outsiders.
However, the reigning Polish champions struck back in the second half with Afimico Pululu’s cheeky back heel pulling the visitor's level. Roared on by a noisy traveling contingent, Jagiellonia then rewarded their fans with a winner at the death.
With the clock ticking down, Jagiellonia poured forward one last time with a long goal kick met by a series of flicks that sent Darko Churlinov through on goal; keeping his composure, the substitute slotted neatly past Nathan Trott to spark delirious scenes among the traveling faithful.
Playing on home soil, Legia made it a double whammy for Poland after beating hotly-tipped Real Betis 1-0.
Having fallen behind in the 13th minute, Jagiellonia left the pitch at half-time having done much to demonstrate why they had entered the match as outsiders.
However, the reigning Polish champions struck back in the second half with Afimico Pululu’s cheeky back heel pulling the visitor's level. Roared on by a noisy traveling contingent, Jagiellonia then rewarded their fans with a winner at the death.
With the clock ticking down, Jagiellonia poured forward one last time with a long goal kick met by a series of flicks that sent Darko Churlinov through on goal; keeping his composure, the substitute slotted neatly past Nathan Trott to spark delirious scenes among the traveling faithful.
Playing on home soil, Legia made it a double whammy for Poland after beating hotly-tipped Real Betis 1-0.
Looking strangely toothless, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis side struggled to make their mark on the game, and were it not for fortune, they could have lost by more.
Speaking after the match, the former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss told reporters he had expected more from his side: “[I expected] that we would play faster,” said Pellegrini. “[But] today we were without three key players... We lacked balance, magic, and creativity—things that those players give.”
Pellegrini also praised Legia’s supporters: “The fans? The atmosphere in the stands is important because it can help a team—we knew that [today] would be demanding.”
Rising to the occasion, Legia’s followers laid on a spectacular choreographed show as the teams marched out, with a giant banner of a bull’s head soon submerged under a thick fog of pyrotechnics.
Speaking after the match, the former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss told reporters he had expected more from his side: “[I expected] that we would play faster,” said Pellegrini. “[But] today we were without three key players... We lacked balance, magic, and creativity—things that those players give.”
Pellegrini also praised Legia’s supporters: “The fans? The atmosphere in the stands is important because it can help a team—we knew that [today] would be demanding.”
Rising to the occasion, Legia’s followers laid on a spectacular choreographed show as the teams marched out, with a giant banner of a bull’s head soon submerged under a thick fog of pyrotechnics.
Legia Warszawa at home to Real Betis tonight! pic.twitter.com/2tJyo4EGxB
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) October 3, 2024
Feeding off the confidence in the stands, Legia played with conviction and went ahead on 23 minutes after Steve Kapuadi flicked in a header from a short corner routine.
Reflecting on the match, Legia coach Gonçalo Feio praised the team for playing with “identity and style.”
He added: “[Betis] had quality, but we defended at a high level. We also threatened on the counterattack, especially in the second half. There's nothing left but to thank the players for their faith and commitment, the staff for their work, and the fans for their support, because they were the twelfth man.”
Legia return to European action against Serbian side Bačka Topola in two weeks' time, as will Jagiellonia, who will resume their European campaign at home to the Moldovan minnows Petrocub.
Reflecting on the match, Legia coach Gonçalo Feio praised the team for playing with “identity and style.”
He added: “[Betis] had quality, but we defended at a high level. We also threatened on the counterattack, especially in the second half. There's nothing left but to thank the players for their faith and commitment, the staff for their work, and the fans for their support, because they were the twelfth man.”
Legia return to European action against Serbian side Bačka Topola in two weeks' time, as will Jagiellonia, who will resume their European campaign at home to the Moldovan minnows Petrocub.
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