Raków Częstochowa kicks off pre‑season with a win over Puszcza Niepołomice
Raków Częstochowa showed it is in shape, winning 3‑0 in a friendly played on July 4, 2026. The match took place at the home ground in Częstochowa and was the first public test of coach Tomasz Kaczmarek’s tactics before the Ekstraklasa launch.
How did the game unfold?
The first half was dominated by Raków. In the 12th minute Kacper Kozłowski opened the scoring after a precise pass from Mateusz Szwedowski. A few minutes later a defensive lapse by Puszcza gave the second goal – Łukasz Gikiewicz converted a free‑kick to double the lead. The third strike came in the 78th minute after a swift counter‑attack, when Michał Kucharczyk ran onto the ball and finished under the net.
Why does it matter for Raków?
Even though the match doesn’t count for the league, the 3‑0 result lifts the squad’s confidence. The club sits 4th in the Ekstraklasa with 55 points, five points behind leaders Lech Poznań. The last official league game – a 3‑0 victory over Arka Gdynia on May 23, 2026 – confirms the attack is firing while the defence has conceded only 40 goals this season (51 scored).
What’s next in the preparations?
Kaczmarek announced further friendlies against I‑league sides to keep training intensity high. Among the stand‑out players were academy graduates, notably Kacper Kozłowski, already attracting national team interest. The club also plans defensive signings before the winter transfer window.
How does the result affect the title race?
Raków remains in the top tier, with a five‑point gap to the leader. Maintaining the current goal difference (+11) and extending the winning streak could keep the club in the championship hunt. The current record of 16 wins, 7 draws and 11 losses from 34 games shows the team can bounce back after setbacks.
Where to watch the next fixtures?
Live streams of upcoming preparations will be available on Polsatsport.pl, with detailed post‑match analysis. Fans have a chance to follow tactical developments and key player form ahead of the new season.
