Key Takeaways:
- Lech Poznan claimed a 1-0 victory at home to KuPS, sealing a 3-0 aggregate triumph in the UEFA Conference League knockout stage play-off
- Pablo Rodriguez netted the only goal of the second leg with a powerful finish in the 65th minute
- KuPS concluded their maiden European knockout stage campaign after falling short in Poznan
Match Analysis
Lech Poznan completed their passage to the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 following a controlled performance and 1-0 home win over KuPS, which consolidated their 2-0 first-leg advantage and delivered a 3-0 success across both legs. The Polish outfit applied immediate pressure, with Mikael Ishak testing visiting goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl just two minutes into the contest.
Lech’s attacking threat continued as Luis Palma twice came close to breaking the deadlock, narrowly missing with a curling free-kick before drawing a strong save from Kreidl. Further efforts from Patrik Walemark and Taofeek Ismaheel both failed to hit the target, but KuPS managed to stay in contention by reaching half-time without conceding.
🏁 Zadanie wykonane – mamy awans do 1/8 finału Ligi Konferencji!
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90'+3 #LPOKUP 1:0 pic.twitter.com/LLUhvtDvhP— Lech Poznań (@LechPoznan) February 26, 2026
Pivotal Moments and Player Performance
The second half mirrored the opening period, with the hosts dominating proceedings. Pablo Rodriguez had an early chance denied by the impressive KuPS shot-stopper, but it was the Spaniard who ultimately broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, unleashing an unerring strike beyond Kreidl’s reach to open the scoring.
Following the decisive goal, Lech comfortably protected both the lead and their aggregate advantage, while KuPS struggled to carve out opportunities to stage a late comeback. The Poznan Stadium crowd enjoyed a routine victory which secured Lech’s progression with comprehensive wins in both legs.
Statistical Summary
| Fixture | Result | Aggregate Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lech Poznan v KuPS | 1-0 | 3-0 (Lech Poznan advance) | Poznan Stadium |
KuPS’ European Journey Ends
Despite a resilient display in Poland, KuPS exit the tournament following this defeat, concluding their first-ever appearance in a European knockout stage. The Finnish side can take pride in reaching this competition milestone for the club, even though their campaign was halted against the Polish champions.
Next Round Prospects
Lech Poznan now await the winner of the tie between Rayo Vallecano and Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, carrying significant momentum from their efficient play-off displays.
