In a clash between two sides seeking momentum in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Widzew Łódź produced a sparkling attacking display to defeat Nieciecza 4-2 at the Stadion Bruk-Bet. Fran Álvarez starred with a second-half hat-trick, overturning Nieciecza’s early lead and lifting Widzew out of a recent slump.

First Half: Early Lead and Swift Response

Termalica Bruk-Bet Nieciecza struck first after a composed sequence in possession. In the 20th minute, midfielder Sergio Guerrero hammered home from close range to give the home fans hope. Yet, Widzew would find their footing quickly. Sebastian Bergier made a statement in the 29th minute, finishing a slick move set up by Peter Therkildsen to draw the visitors level. Pace and aggression defined the opening half, with both sides actively seeking a breakthrough.

Second Half: Álvarez Dominates

The game turned decisively after the interval. Widzew’s Fran Álvarez showcased his class beginning in the 54th minute, converting Samuel Akere’s pass for a 2-1 lead. Just three minutes later, Álvarez doubled his tally, this time with Mariusz Fornalczyk providing the crucial assist. Nieciecza found themselves unable to halt the relentless Widzew attack, and in the 67th minute the Spanish midfielder completed his hat-trick—capitalizing after a period of sustained pressure, though one goal would be disallowed for offside in the 70th minute.

Nieciecza managed a late spark, with Guerrero netting his second of the day in the 82nd minute after a deft pass from Jakubik, trimming the deficit and giving the hosts a glimmer of hope. Despite pressing forward and maintaining a 53% share of possession throughout, Nieciecza could not breach Widzew’s defense again.

Statistical Breakdown and Key Performances

• Widzew Łódź fired 14 total shots, with 10 on target, a testament to their attacking intent and efficiency.
• Nieciecza, despite enjoying greater possession and more passes, managed just 4 shots on target from 9 total attempts, frequently denied by Widzew’s keeper Veljko Ilić.
• Álvarez’s hat-trick was the difference, his intelligent movement between the lines consistently opening up the hosts’ three-man defense.

Discipline flared at times, with two yellow cards for Widzew (Bergier and Akere) and one for Nieciecza (Putivtsev). Both coaches cycled through their benches in hopes of shifting momentum, but Widzew’s composed midfield and clinical finishing sealed the win.

Broader Implications

For coach Patryk Czubak, this away victory offers a critical boost in confidence, ending a streak of four consecutive away defeats. Álvarez’s emergence as a match-winner could be a turning point for Widzew’s season, while Nieciecza’s defensive frailties under Marcin Brosz remain a concern despite moments of attacking quality.

With both sides sitting near the bottom of the table, Widzew leapfrogs Nieciecza, whose struggles at home continue. As the season edges toward its midpoint, the tactical battle and individual brilliance on display suggest Widzew may yet revive their campaign—especially if Álvarez continues in this vein.

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