1klub1000historii: Intense Shootouts and Tyraj Sprint Thrills

On October 10, 2001, an unforgettable match took place in the Polish Cup, featuring Lech Poznań, who were then competing in the second tier of Polish football. This match, a dramatic encounter against Cracovia in Krakow, ended in a thrilling draw with a final score of 2-2. Arkadiusz Miklosik scored a late equalizer for Lech, pushing the game into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama at Cracovia
The penalty shootout became the highlight of the match, with Mariusz Luncik emerging as a key player for Lech Poznań. This pivotal moment set the stage for more excitement to come in the following rounds of the competition.
Advancing to the Quarterfinals
In the round of 16, Lech faced Pogoń Szczecin, creating a chance for revenge from their previous encounter five years earlier. During that earlier match, Lech had been in the top division while Pogoń was in the second tier. The game ended dramatically with Pogoń winning after extra time and penalties.
- Location: Stadion Miejski, Poznań
- Attendance: 22,000 fans, surpassing the 20,000 capacity of the stadium
- Pogoń’s key players included:
- Dariusz Gęsior
- Maciej Stolarczyk
- Paweł Drumlak
- Jacek Bednarz
- Bartosz Ława
- Robert Dymkowski
- Jerzy Podbrożny
In this important rematch, both teams battled fiercely for 120 minutes, yet neither could find the back of the net. This led to another penalty shootout, filled with dramatic turns and intense emotions.
Tyrajski’s Heroic Moment
The penalty shootout extended to an astonishing 15 rounds. In the end, Lech emerged victorious with a score of 12-11. Norbert Tyrajski, the Lech goalkeeper, was celebrated for his performance. He not only saved a crucial penalty but also scored the decisive shot, leading to an exuberant sprint across the pitch.
Tyrajski expressed the motivation stemming from facing criticism, especially concerning his mother’s presence at the match. Celebrating with the loyal fans, he sprinted to share the triumph with them, despite the opposing fans having a different sentiment.
Road to the Quarterfinals and Beyond
Despite the exhilarating journey, Lech’s road ended in the quarterfinals, where they succumbed to Dyskobolia Grodzisk Wielkopolski with a score of 0-2. However, this Polish Cup journey created long-lasting memories for both the players and the supporters.
The thrilling contest against Cracovia showcased the spirit and determination of Lech Poznań, marking a significant chapter in the club’s history.