Latvia international forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis played a key role as Arka Gdynia defeated Zagłębie Lubin 3-1, both winning a red card and getting on the scoresheet in an important victory.
The 31-year-old striker netted his second goal for Arka since returning to the Polish Ekstraklasa, after his spell in South Korea. Gutkovskis started the match in the lineup as his side built a solid foundation in the first half, scoring twice to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
Early in the second half, Gutkovskis made his impact felt again, this time without the ball. He drew a foul from Polish defender Michal Nalepa, who received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Zagłębie reduced to ten men.
Despite being a man down, the visitors managed to pull one goal back and briefly threaten a comeback. However, Gutkovskis ensured there would be no late drama.
In the 78th minute, he finished off a move from close range, calmly converting a cross from the left into an empty net while falling, sealing the result and scoring one of the simplest goals of his career.
Gutkovskis was substituted in the 89th minute, having delivered a decisive performance. The win is a crucial one for Arka Gdynia, who now sit 16th in the table with 33 points after 27 matches as they continue their battle to avoid relegation in the 18-team league.
This was Gutkovskis’ ninth appearance in the Ekstraklasa since returning to Europe after two and a half years in South Korea.
Arka’s next match is scheduled for Sunday, when they travel to face Cracovia.
