For the first time this season, Latvia international Alvis Jaunzems did not feature in the starting XI for Lechia Gdańsk, coming off the bench late in the second half as his side secured a 2-0 victory over GKS Katowice. The visitors, meanwhile, were without Estonia defender Märten Kuusk, who was absent from the matchday squad.
The 26-year-old wing-back, who started Latvia’s FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Serbia during the international break but remained an unused substitute against Albania, was also given a rest at club level. His spot in the lineup was taken by Lechia’s new signing Bartłomiej Kludka, recently arrived from Zagłębie.
Lechia struck first in the 19th minute when a defensive blunder from Katowice’s goalkeeper was punished by Dawid Kurminowski, netting his second goal of the season. The scoreline remained tight until the 86th minute, when Jaunzems was introduced for the final minutes, replacing Kludka.
The game was eventually sealed deep into stoppage time – 17 minutes into added time – when former Virslīga star Camilo Mena used his pace to break clear and finish with precision, giving Lechia their second win of the campaign.
Jaunzems, who had started all seven of Lechia’s league fixtures prior to this match and recorded one assist, made his eighth appearance in Poland’s top flight. Kuusk, on the other hand, had featured in four Ekstraklasa matches this season and played two full games for Estonia during the last international break, but did not feature here.
Both sides remain near the bottom of the table after eight matches. Katowice sit in 15th place with seven points, while Lechia – deducted five points before the season by the Polish FA – remain in last place with three points.
Looking ahead, Katowice host Cracovia on Friday, while Lechia travel to face Pogoń Szczecin on Sunday.
