Ekstraliga Women Analysis of the first round and predictions for the future
The Orlen Women’s Ekstraliga 2025/2026 season kicked off on August 9 and immediately showed that we are in for an exciting competition. The first round brought results that shook the league mood: Pogoń Szczecin crushed Grot SMS Łódź 5–0, and Czarni Sosnowiec defeated AP Orlen Gdańsk 4–0. These were not ordinary victories — they are signals that some teams will enter the season with high tempo and ambition.
Surprising results of the first round
The first series of matches confirmed that form and confidence can determine, in individual games, huge differences in scorelines. The two most impressive results of the past weekend were precisely the victories of Pogoń and Czarni.
Pogoń Szczecin 5–0 Grot SMS Łódź
Pogoń started the season with a show. The 5–0 score leaves no illusions — the Szczecin side dominated practically from the first minute. The goals were distributed as follows:
- Lena Świrska opened the score already in the 3rd minute,
- Weronika Szymaszek added two goals, including one from the penalty spot just before halftime,
- after the break, Alexis Legowski extended the lead, Świrska completed her brace, and Szymaszek sealed the score at 5–0 in the final minutes.
Pogoń’s style was as impressive as the numbers — quick transitions, aggressive pressing, and efficiency in finishing chances. Grot SMS Łódź tried to respond several times but encountered a well-organized defense and solid tactical preparation from the hosts.
Czarni Sosnowiec 4–0 AP Orlen Gdańsk
Czarni showed in the first round that they will be in the running for the top positions. The match ended with a 4–0 score, and the goals fell in the following minutes:
- Karlina Miksone opened the scoring in the 36th minute,
- Patrycja Sarapata made it 2–0 in the 55th minute,
- Zuzanna Witek added the third goal in the 61st minute,
- Zofia Buszewska closed the match with a strike in the 86th minute.
Czarni controlled the course of the match, created chances, and maintained the rhythm of play throughout the entire game. This is a performance that gives them considerable credit going into the next rounds.
Who has a chance at the title? Season predictions
On paper and after the first round, the favorites appear to be the teams that managed to enter the season strongly and without stage fright. Pogoń Szczecin, champions of the 2023/2024 season, enter the competition with the ambition of taking the top spot. Czarni Sosnowiec, with a rich history of success in Polish women’s football, also look like a team fighting for the highest goals.
It is worth remembering that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Much will depend on the health of the players, squad rotations, and the ability to adapt to opponents. Teams that started with defeats have time for corrections, but media and fan pressure may affect their performances. Meanwhile, the teams with a successful start must maintain consistency, as the league does not forgive stagnation.
Experts point out that decisive factors will be:
- defensive stability and the ability to “close” matches,
- effectiveness in the penalty area and in finishing counterattacks,
- squad depth, especially with a tight schedule.
Emotions in the stands and the importance of league development
The first matches also showed that women’s football in Poland is growing in strength not only in sporting terms but also in attendance and match atmosphere. Fans came to the stadiums in large numbers, creating an atmosphere that gives players wings. Increased interest, better media coverage, and growing sponsor involvement are all making the Orlen Ekstraliga more and more professional.
Before the season, the Polish Football Association and the clubs discussed organizational changes and directions for league development. Topics such as a possible expansion of the competition or extending the season indicate that solid foundations for the future of women’s football in the country are being built.
Short summary
The 2025/2026 season starts with a bang. Pogoń Szczecin and Czarni Sosnowiec showed they will be in the fight for top spots. Both teams stood out not only with results but also with style — both displayed a clear game plan, which may pay dividends in the long run.
The rest of the field has weeks of hard work, tactical adjustments, and hopes for points ahead of them. For the fans, this is great news — the league promises excitement, and each round can bring further surprises.
We look forward to seeing how events unfold and to the next matches. The football summer is just heating up, and the atmosphere in the stadiums suggests this will be a season that will long remain in the memory of the fans.
