EKSTRAKLASA
Lech Poznań look to defend their title after back to back championships, with last season’s title race being unusually open.
Last season was a difficult one for Legia, who endured a disappointing domestic campaign and ultimately missed out on European football altogether for only the second time since the 2011/12 season, but that absence could prove a blessing in disguise, as four Polish clubs (following the elimination of GKS Katowice) are still in the running for a league phase spot in a UEFA competition, meaning they will have a much tighter schedule.
This season also marks the long awaited return of Wisla Krakow to the top flight, a club with a rich history and one of the largest fanbases in Poland. They were promoted alongside city rivals Wieczysta Krakow who have been invested into profusely, and also Slask Wroclaw.
Legia’s return to form?
Currently unbeaten after 4 matches, Legia look like a completely different team to what they were last season.
24/7 : Pogoń Szczecin 0–1 Legia
2/8 : Legia 3–1 Zagłębie Lubin
8/8 : Korona Kielce 1–1 Legia
14/8 : Legia 5–0 Radomiak Radom
A 5-0 thrashing of mid-table Radomiak cements Legia’s position at the top of the table for now, showcasing their impressive defensive record and the impact of their new players.
The standout signing for Legia so far has without a doubt been Robert Deziel Jr, who was brought in this season from Bayern II, boasting an impressive CV of academy experience which even includes a stint at Real Madrid at around the age of 12. He was not seen as an instant solution to the defensive woes of last season by fans, but rather a player that could have the potential to grow into a key element of the team. Therefore, his 4 starts in 4 matches came as a surprise, and the American’s great performances were just the cherry on top.
