Raków Częstochowa kicks off the 2026/27 season against Valletta FC in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. The team, which finished 4th in Ekstraklasa last season with 55 points, will face the 25-time Maltese champions with full focus. The match kicks off on Thursday at 18:30 on home soil.
What did coach Kroczek say?
Dawid Kroczek, Raków’s head coach, stressed that the team is ready for the challenge. – I believe the team is prepared, everyone feels it, but the real test comes in a match with stakes – he told reporters. Though Valletta FC placed fourth in Malta’s league last season, its history and experience are immense. – No opponent should be underestimated. Valletta FC is a 25-time national champion, a club with truly great history – Kroczek said.
He also praised the players’ high focus in training. – I’m glad the players are showing high focus in training. Everyone is looking forward to this match – he added. Kroczek noted that Raków is building a DNA centered on possession and active pressing. – We’re working on our DNA, where we want to dominate with the ball and be an active team. The end of last season showed big potential in attack, especially aggressive high pressing – he explained.
What comes after the Malta tie?
A win over Valletta FC would open the door to the next Conference League qualifying round. Raków, which scored 51 goals while conceding 40 last season (+11 goal difference), is aiming for progress. – This is the second qualifying round, so after beating the Maltese we’ll still have two opponents before the league phase – Kroczek reminded.
The coach didn’t hide that a strong result could speed up transfer plans. – This factor drives certain club actions. Everyone sees we need new players. We’re watching what’s happening. We’re looking for footballers who will raise the team’s level – he said. Kroczek also revealed that the club is working to strengthen the defense and attacking positions. – I think new players will arrive here soon – he concluded.
Raków Częstochowa, 4th in Ekstraklasa with 55 points from 16 wins, 7 draws and 11 losses, begins the new season on a WWLWW run and with their last result a 3-0 win over Arka Gdynia on May 23, 2026.
