Raków Częstochowa held to 1-1 draw in final pre-Europa Conference League friendly
Raków Częstochowa and GKS Katowice played their final pre-season friendly on Friday ahead of Europa Conference League qualifiers. The match ended 1-1, with Raków Częstochowa equalising in the 85th minute through Adam Basse. The team from Częstochowa wraps up pre-season with a clean sheet - 0 goals scored and 0 conceded this season. As of 17 July 2026: 17th in Ekstraklasa, 0 points.
What happened on the pitch?
The first half in Opalenica was cautious, with both sides testing each other sparingly. The hosts took the lead in the 54th minute through Emanuel Markovic. Raków Częstochowa responded late - Adam Basse nodded in an equaliser from a cross in the 85th minute. The match served as the final fitness test before next week’s Europa Conference League qualifiers.
How did Raków Częstochowa prepare for the new season?
Dawid Kroczek’s side spent July at a training camp in the Netherlands, playing three warm-up matches. They lost 3-4 to Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem, then fell 1-2 to Greek giants Olympiacos. Before the Dutch camp, Raków Częstochowa had beaten Piast Gliwice 2-0 at home. Their final test before the GKS Katowice friendly ended in a 2-2 draw with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. The team now has just one week to fine-tune ahead of their first qualifier.
What’s next for Raków Częstochowa in Europe?
Raków Częstochowa return to European competition after a year away and face a tough opener. The team from Częstochowa will host Maltese side FC Valletta in the first round of Europa Conference League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for 23 July 2026. If they advance, the next hurdle would be the loser of Hajduk Split vs MSK Žilina in the second round. Currently sitting 17th in Ekstraklasa with zero points, every league point will be vital.
