Lech Poznań - Raków Częstochowa 1:0

Lech are currently displaying fantastic form. They have remained unbeaten in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa since March and have now put together their best run in 16 years, going 15 league matches without a defeat. Moreover, the Poznań side have also already lifted their first trophy of the season - the seventh Polish Super Cup in the club’s history – and qualified for the league phase of the Europa League, where Lech will play for the first time in six years. Following Thursday’s victory over Jagiellonia, another test awaited: a meeting with Raków Częstochowa, who were still waiting for their first league points in the current campaign.

Lech started the match with plenty of intensity and made their first attempt to break the deadlock as early as the 5th minute. Following a fantastic delivery from Joel Pereira, Luis Palma reached the ball, but his effort flew centimetres above the crossbar. The guests’ response came a little later, but Basse’s effort suffered the same fate as the Honduran winger’s attempt a few minutes earlier. Just before halftime, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh launched another dangerous attack, but Trelowski produced a great save.

Little changed after the break. Both teams remained highly active, looking for space to break through their opponents’ defences and create a clear goalscoring opportunity. Raków threatened twice, but Mateusz Lis remained alert. In the 52nd minute, Yannick Agnero found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Ivorian’s effort was too powerful and flew over the bar. Moments later, Filip Jagiełło tried his luck with a header, but also failed to find the net. Finally, Leo Bengtsson broke the deadlock in the 71st minute. The Swedish winger fired a flat shot from around the edge of the penalty area. The ball hit Struski’s leg on its way to goal and found the back of the net. The final stages of the match were under Lech’s control. The Poznań side went in search of a second goal and continued to test Raków’s defensive line, but the guests’ goalkeeper produced an outstanding performance and denied Lech the chance to extend their lead.

The triumph extended Lech’s unbeaten run, which dates back to March, and allowed them to return to the top of the table. Before the international break, Frederiksen’s side face two away fixtures - against Górnik Zabrze in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa and Crystal Palace, which will mark Lech’s return to the Europa League - as well as a home clash with Radomiak Radom.