Pogon Szczecin vs Warta Poznan: Late Winner Seals 3-2 Friendly Thriller

Pogon Szczecin edged Warta Poznan 3-2 in an entertaining international club friendly on 12 November 2026, with a late goal settling a five-goal contest at the Stadion Miejski im. Floriana Krygiera. The match had a bit of everything: early dominance from the hosts, a determined comeback from Warta, and a decisive finish in the closing stages.

Pogon Szczecin looked sharp from the opening whistle and built a two-goal lead before Warta Poznan fought their way back into the game. Just when the friendly appeared to be heading for a draw, Pogon found one final attacking moment to claim the win in front of their home supporters.

Match overview

The hosts controlled the early rhythm, pressing high and forcing Warta Poznan into mistakes in their own half. Pogon's wide players were particularly influential, stretching the visiting defence and creating space between the lines. That pressure paid off with the opening goal, and a second followed as Pogon capitalised on a set-piece opportunity.

Warta Poznan responded well rather than folding. They pulled one goal back before half-time and then levelled the score after the break with a well-worked move. For a spell, Warta looked the more likely side to go ahead, but Pogon's bench made an impact and the hosts found a late winner to finish the friendly on a high.

Key moments

• Opening goal: Pogon Szczecin took the lead after a bright start, with a low cross from the left converted from close range.
• Second goal: The hosts doubled their advantage from a corner, as a powerful header found the back of the net.
• Warta reply: Warta Poznan reduced the deficit before half-time, finishing off a fast counter-attack with a composed strike.
• Equaliser: After the break, Warta levelled the match, converting a penalty after a foul inside the area.
• Late winner: Pogon Szczecin scored the decisive goal in the closing stages, with a substitute's cross turned in at the far post.

Tactical story

Pogon Szczecin started with an aggressive high press and looked to win the ball back quickly in Warta's half. Their midfield rotated well, and the full-backs pushed forward to create width. That approach worked early, but it also left space behind for Warta to exploit on the counter.

Warta Poznan adjusted after falling two goals behind. They began to press higher themselves and found joy down the channels, pulling one goal back before the interval. In the second half, Warta's compact shape and quick transitions caused Pogon problems, and the equaliser was a reward for their improved intensity.

Both coaches used the friendly to rotate their squads, and the substitutions shaped the final outcome. Pogon's fresh legs added urgency in the final third, while Warta's changes helped them get back into the game. In the end, the hosts' greater attacking depth made the difference.

Standout performers

Pogon Szczecin's left-sided attacker was a constant threat, delivering the cross for the opener and causing problems throughout. The midfield captain also dictated the tempo and kept the team organised during Warta's best spell. Off the bench, the substitute who provided the late assist made an immediate impact.

For Warta Poznan, the centre-forward led the line well, holding up play and bringing others into the game. The midfielder who converted the penalty was calm under pressure, and the team's overall response after going two goals down showed character. Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for the visitors.

Season impact

As an international club friendly, the result does not affect either team's league standing, but it provided valuable minutes for both squads. Pogon Szczecin will take confidence from their attacking output and the impact of their substitutes, while Warta Poznan can build on a spirited comeback that tested a stronger opponent.

Friendly matches are often judged by fitness and tactical experimentation rather than the final score, but a 3-2 win will still feel good for Pogon. For Warta, the performance offered evidence that they can compete when they press with intensity and take their chances. Both clubs will now turn their attention back to their respective league campaigns.

Final score and key facts

• Result: Pogon Szczecin 3-2 Warta Poznan
• Competition: International Club Friendly
• Date: 12 November 2026
• Key stat: Five goals, a penalty, and a late winner made for an open contest