From the first whistle Wisła took the initiative, successfully thwarting the opposing team’s chances to show off in front of the spectators in Kraków. Robert Maaskant’s team played cautiously in defence, but ineffectively in offence. Germans Malins, Skonto’s goalkeeper, gave a very good performance, managing to save several dangerous shots, including attempts by Ivica Iliev and Patryk Małecki. Genkov shot several times but wide of the target.

Skonto’s goalkeeper was finally defeated in the second half of the match. In the 51st minute Patryk Małecki drove the ball inside the penalty box and between two defenders before slotting it past the goalkeeper. Some fifteen minutes later Ivica Iliev drove a strong shot from the same side of the penalty box and netted the ball in the right corner. This was the Serbian’s first goal as a Wisła player.

The team from Kraków was in control of the game until the final whistle. Their win was well deserved, although it could have been higher. A week from now Wisła will play another match in the qualifying round of the Champions League, this time against a more dangerous rival - Litex Lovech.

Wisła Kraków – Skonto Ryga 2:0 (0:0)
1:0 Małecki 51’
2:0 Iliev 64’

First game: 1:0 for Wisła

Wisła Kraków: Pareiko – Lamey (88’ Jirsak), Jaliens, Chavez, Paljić – Sobolewski (75’ Nunez), Wilk – Małecki, Melikson, Iliev (86’ Jirsak) – Genkov
 
Skonto Ryga: Malins – Kacanovs, Smirnovs, Rode, Maksimenko – Mingazov, Tarasovs, Fertovs, Bally Smart (55’ Fabinho) – Sabala (67’ Blanks) – Junior (73’ Petersons)
 
Yellow cards: Iliev, Sobolewski (Wisła) – Maksimenko, Mingazov (Skonto)
Red card: Mingazov (second yellow)
Referee: Milorad Mažić (Serbia)
Audience: 19 300

Wisła Kraków SA Press Office