Raków Częstochowa received its draw for the Europa Conference League second qualifying round – the opponent will be Malta's Valletta FC, with the first leg set for Poland on July 23. The Jasna Góra club aims for another European advance after a strong domestic season, currently sitting 4th in the Ekstraklasa with 55 points and a four‑match winning streak (WWWWL).
Who is Raków's opponent?
Valletta FC finished third in Malta's top division last season and regularly competes for European spots. Despite limited resources, the side has experience in qualifying rounds. The first encounter will take place at Raków's home stadium, giving the Polish side home‑field advantage and vocal fan support.
Why does this matter for the team?
Following a 3‑0 victory over Arka Gdynia on May 23, 2026, Raków holds a record of 16 wins, 7 draws and 11 losses from 34 league games, scoring 51 goals and conceding 40 (+11 goal difference). The numbers highlight a potent attack and a defense capable of limiting opponents. Progress in Europe could boost the club's title challenge, where they currently trail league leaders Lech Poznań by five points.
What lies ahead?
After the two‑leg tie with Valletta, the return match is scheduled for July 30 away, meaning Raków must keep a clean sheet at home. Fellow Polish side GKS Katowice will face the loser of the first‑round clash – the weaker team from the Hajduk Split vs. MSK Žilina tie. For Raków, this is a chance to start the European campaign smoothly and keep building momentum ahead of the domestic season's final stretch.
