Chemik Bydgoszcz and Stargard Szczecinski played out a breathtaking 3-3 draw in the Polish Liga 3 on September 26, 2026. The six-goal thriller saw the lead change hands multiple times before a late penalty rescued a point for the home side. Both teams showed attacking flair but also defensive frailties in a match that will be remembered for its entertainment value.

First Half: Stargard Take Early Lead, Chemik Respond

The visitors needed just five minutes to open the scoring. Stargard Szczecinski's striker Kamil Nowak pounced on a defensive mix-up and slotted the ball past the Chemik goalkeeper. Chemik Bydgoszcz responded well, equalizing in the 20th minute through a superb individual effort from midfielder Piotr Wiśniewski, who dribbled past two defenders and fired into the top corner. However, Stargard regained the lead in the 38th minute when central defender Adam Lewandowski rose highest to head home a corner. The half-time whistle blew with the score at 2-1 to the visitors.

Second Half: A Six-Goal Classic

Stargard extended their lead in the 52nd minute when Kamil Nowak grabbed his second goal of the game, finishing off a swift counter-attack. At 3-1 down, Chemik Bydgoszcz looked down and out, but a tactical switch from their manager changed the game. Substitute Michał Zieliński, introduced in the 60th minute, scored in the 70th with a low drive from the edge of the box. Chemik pushed forward relentlessly, and their pressure finally told in the 88th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball. Captain Tomasz Kamiński stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-3. In a frantic finale, both teams had chances to win it, but some last-ditch defending and a superb save from the Chemik goalkeeper ensured the points were shared.

Key Moments

• 5' – Kamil Nowak gives Stargard an early lead.
• 20' – Piotr Wiśniewski equalizes for Chemik.
• 38' – Adam Lewandowski heads Stargard back in front.
• 52' – Nowak scores his second to make it 3-1.
• 70' – Michał Zieliński pulls one back for Chemik.
• 88' – Tomasz Kamiński converts a penalty to equalize.

Tactical Analysis

Both teams lined up in attacking formations, with Chemik Bydgoszcz in a 4-3-3 and Stargard Szczecinski in a 4-2-3-1. The first half was characterized by end-to-end action and some poor defending from both sides. Stargard's counter-attacking was particularly effective, with Nowak's pace causing constant problems. Chemik's manager made a crucial substitution at 3-1, bringing on Zieliński, who added energy and directness. The move to a more direct style, with crosses into the box, ultimately paid off. Defensively, both teams will be disappointed with the goals conceded, but the neutrals in the crowd were treated to a classic.

Standout Players

Kamil Nowak was the best player on the pitch for Stargard, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligence. For Chemik, substitute Michał Zieliński changed the game with his goal and relentless running. Captain Tomasz Kamiński showed nerves of steel to score the late penalty. Chemik's goalkeeper, Bartosz Nowak, also made a vital save in stoppage time to deny Stargard a winner.

League Impact

The draw leaves Chemik Bydgoszcz in 6th place with 9 points from six matches, while Stargard Szczecinski are 7th on 8 points. Both teams remain in the hunt for a promotion playoff spot, but they will need to tighten up defensively if they are to challenge the top teams. Chemik's never-say-die attitude will be a positive takeaway, while Stargard will be frustrated at letting a two-goal lead slip. Next weekend, Chemik travel to a top-three side, and Stargard host a mid-table opponent. The race for promotion in the Polish Liga 3 is heating up, and this thrilling draw was a perfect example of the league's competitive nature.