Wisła Kraków 3-1 FC Spartak Trnava: Turning tables

Thursday nights at R22 are always filled with emotions, and tonight was no exception. Wisła Kraków took on FC Spartak Trnava in the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Overcoming an early deficit, the team from R22 rallied to secure a thrilling victory, earning their place in the next round!

Send-off

Wisła Kraków started the match with a high-pressing offensive, a distinguishing feature of their play. Encouraged by strong stand support, the "White Star" players took control of the game. Ángel Rodado, with assistance from Kiss, had an early opportunity to score, but the goal was disallowed. For almost the entire first half, Wisła Kraków dominated, with only a few exceptions. Towards the end of the half, Wisła had a chance to take the lead after a foul on one of their players. In the 42nd minute, Rodado put the "White Star" ahead with a successful penalty. The first half ended with Wisła leading 1-0.

Don’t stop believing 

The second half began with changes in the away team. The "White Star" continued to play offensively. The 60th minute brought one of the most thrilling moments of the game. After several passes, Piotr Starzyński broke through Spartak’s defensive line and scored another goal for Wisła Kraków. Wisła Kraków prevented Spartak from penetrating their penalty area, and despite Spartak's efforts, Wisła's defence held strong this time. The second half ended with Wisła leading 2-0, which meant the match would be decided in overtime.

European Extra Time

The clock on the scoreboard began counting down to the 120th minute as Spartak pushed forward, trying not to be pinned in their penalty area again. The away team's coach urged his players to advance, but Wisła’s defence was outstanding. In the 98th minute, we earned a corner, and Alan Uryga headed it in, putting Wisła up 3-0. As the first half of extra time ended, Wisła was on the verge of progressing to the next UEFA round.

However, the visitors from Trnava came out attacking in the second half, quickly scoring to make it 3-1. Then, in the 107th minute, Michal Duriš equalised the aggregate score to 4-4, setting up a dramatic finish. With missed opportunities and disallowed goals, the match headed to a penalty shootout.

Historic Penalty Shootout

The penalty shootout was unforgettable. After 14 rounds, Wisła Kraków finally secured victory, advancing to the fourth round of UEFA Conference League qualifiers. This night will forever be etched in our club’s history, and the memories will be shared for years. Next week, we face another European challenge against Belgian side Cercle Brugge!

Wisła Kraków - FC Spartak Trnava (1:0): 

★ 1:0 Rodado 42’ (penalty) 

★ 2:0 Starzyński 60’ 

★ 3:0 Uryga 98’

★ 3:1 Duriś 107’

Penalties: 1:0 Uryga, 1:0 Duris, 1:0 Biedrzycki, 1:1 Paur, 1:1 Jaroch, 1:2 Kratochvil, 2:2 Rodado, 2:3 Kosa, 3:3 Carbo, 3:3 Bainović, 4:3 Mikulec, 4:4 Kubista, 5:4 Duarte, 5:5 Corryn, 6:5 Gogół, 6:6 Ahl, 7:6 Baena, 7:7 Holik, 8:7 Kutwa, 8:8 Azango, 9:8 Broda, 9:9 Frelih, 10:9 Uryga, 10:10 Paur, 11:10 Biedrzycki, 11:11 Kratochvil, 12:11 Jaroch, 12:11 Kosa.

Wisła Kraków: Broda - Jaroch, Uryga, Biedrzycki, Kiakos (74’ Mikulec) - Carbó, Sukiennicki (60’ Gogół) - Starzyński (116’ Kutwa), Rodado, Kiss (60’ Duarte)- Zwoliński (90+1’ Baena) 

FC Spartak Trnava: Frelih - Sabo (98’ Paur), Ujlaky (46’ Kratochvil), Kosa, Miković (90+1’ Bainović) - Holik, Zelijković (116’ Corryn), Prochazka (Kubista), Pich (46’ Ahl)- Azango, Duriś 

Yellow card(s): Kiakos, Carbó, Jaroch - Sabo, Duriś, Kubista, Frelih

Referee: D. Robertson (Scotland)

Attendance: 15 099