Lechia Gdańsk held to a draw with Randers FC in final pre-season test
Lechia Gdańsk and Randers FC shared the spoils in their final pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026. The match at Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk finished 2-2, with Iwan Żelizko stealing the show with a stunning free-kick. For the Gdańsk side, it was the last chance to fine-tune before the 2026/27 Ekstraklasa campaign gets under way.
What happened on the pitch?
From the first whistle, both teams pressed hard for an early lead. Lechia Gdańsk went ahead inside 12 minutes, but Randers FC equalised just before the break. In the second half, Żelizko stepped up to curl a free-kick into the top corner, silencing the home crowd for a moment. The hosts regained the lead, yet the Danes struck back and the game finished 2-2.
Żelizko, who joined Lechia during the winter break, is quickly becoming a key figure in the side’s attacking plans. His free-kick display shows he can be a genuine goal threat from distance and give the team a lift ahead of the league opener. For the head coach, it’s a sign that the player can play a big role in the coming fixtures.
Why it matters for Lechia Gdańsk
Lechia Gdańsk head into the new season with just 38 points from 34 games, sitting 16th in the Ekstraklasa table. Their record reads 12 wins, 7 draws and 15 losses, with a goal difference of 62 scored and 65 conceded. The last league outing, a 2-3 loss at Nieciecza on 23 May 2026, underlined how much work is still needed to avoid a relegation scrap.
The Randers friendly was therefore the final chance to test line-ups and try fresh tactical ideas. Despite the draw, the coaching staff will pore over mistakes made in recent matches. The team needs sturdier defending and sharper finishing if it is to end a run of five straight defeats.
What’s next for Lechia Gdańsk?
With the pre-season curtain now closed, Lechia Gdańsk turns its full attention to the first league fixture. The side is desperate to turn around a poor run of form that saw it lose its last five games. The next test comes soon, and fans will hope Żelizko and the other key men are ready to fire on all cylinders.
Lechia Gdańsk also faces the harsh reality that it trails league leaders Lech Poznań by 22 points. Every point will matter, and every error could prove costly in the fight to stay in Poland’s top flight. The signs point to one of the toughest seasons in recent memory for the Gdańsk club.
