Wisła Kraków Crushes ŁKS Łódź 5:0 in a Match Highlighted by a Tribute to Henryk Kasperczak
What was billed as the top match of the round turned into an unexpected rout. Wisła Kraków once again displayed thrilling attacking football, demolishing visiting ŁKS Łódź 5:0 on home turf. Adding to the spectacle, a special ceremony during halftime honored legendary “White Star” coach, Henryk Kasperczak.
Wisła’s start to the 2025/2026 Betclic 1 Liga season has been nothing short of sensational. After thrashing Stal Mielec 4:0 in their opening game, fans anticipated a tougher test in their second outing against ŁKS Łódź, a team frequently mentioned as a serious contender for promotion. However, what unfolded was a one-sided affair.
ŁKS, under coach Szymon Grabowski, never quite got into the game. Trouble began just seven minutes in when their starting goalkeeper Aleksander Bobek had to leave the field due to injury. Things spiraled downward from there.
Wisła’s Fred Duarte stole the show in the first half, putting on a dazzling performance for the home crowd. The Portuguese forward scored a rapid hat-trick in just 16 minutes:
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His first came via a header after a precise free-kick cross from Julius Ertlthaler,
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The second followed a pinpoint assist from Maciej Kuziemka,
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The third came after a slick move inside and a clinical shot into the near post.
In between Duarte’s second and third goals, Mariusz Kutwa added a stunning long-range strike, making it 3:0. Duarte’s third put Wisła 4:0 up before halftime—a total domination.
While ŁKS players tried to regroup in the dressing room, the halftime break was devoted to a moving tribute to Henryk Kasperczak, one of Wisła’s most iconic coaches. The former players and club figures in attendance formed an honor guard as Kasperczak was recognized with a speech and celebratory gestures.
Wisła eased off in the second half but still managed to add another goal to their tally. This time, Ángel Rodado found the back of the net, thanks again to the outstanding Kuziemka, who notched yet another assist.
For ŁKS Łódź, the heavy loss is a major setback to their promotion ambitions, which now face early questions. Wisła Kraków, on the other hand, is sending a powerful message—they may finally be ready to reclaim their place at the top of Polish football.
