Raków Częstochowa kick off their European adventure as clear favorites. In their opening UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier on 23 July 2026 at 18:30, the Ekstraklasa medalists host Valletta FC. Dawid Kroczek’s side aims to start the season strongly after finishing fourth in Poland last term with 55 points.
What happened at Raków Częstochowa before this match?
Raków Częstochowa ended the 2025/26 Ekstraklasa season fourth, five points behind leaders Lech Poznań. They scored 51 goals while conceding 40, ending with a +11 goal difference. Their last league outing before the summer break ended in a 3–0 win over Arka Gdynia on 23 May 2026. Since then, Kroczek’s men have strung together four straight victories, giving them solid momentum ahead of their continental bow.
Why does this match matter for Raków?
For Raków Częstochowa, this tie is a chance to advance to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. A clean two-legged win would set up a clash with the better side from the Hammarby IF vs RSC Anderlecht tie. Valletta FC may be underdogs, but the Maltese side are known for their resilience, forcing Raków to bring their A-game from the first whistle. European nights are always a priority for the Częstochowa club, and a positive start could fuel their push for more domestic silverware.
Who will lead Raków in this clash?
Raków’s bench is occupied by Dawid Kroczek, who took charge in May 2026 after Łukasz Tomczyk was dismissed. Kroczek, a former assistant to Marek Papszun, must now prove he can keep the team competing at the top in both Europe and Poland. Earlier this year, Kroczek guided Raków to the Polish Cup final, where they lost 0–2 to Górnik Zabrze.
What are Raków’s chances of advancing?
Raków Częstochowa enter as heavy favorites. The squad is packed with quality and the recent run of form suggests Kroczek’s men are ready to fight for progress. Still, European football is unpredictable, and Valletta FC could spring a surprise, especially in front of their own fans. The second leg is scheduled for 19:30 a week later, giving Raków time to analyze and adjust tactics if needed.
Raków Częstochowa finished the 2025/26 Ekstraklasa season fourth on 55 points. The club now kicks off its European campaign, aiming to build on last season’s domestic success and raise its profile on the continental stage.
