Mazovia Minsk Mazowiecki survived a stirring comeback to beat Wisla II Plock 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in Poland's Liga 3, sealing the win with a late strike after surrendering a two-goal cushion.

Match overview

Mazovia began the evening with clear intent, playing a high defensive line and looking to pin Wisla II Plock inside their own half. The plan worked perfectly for the opening half hour, with the hosts scoring twice and appearing in complete control of the midfield.

Wisla II, a reserve side built around young and technically gifted players, refused to fold. They clawed a goal back before the interval, levelled shortly after the restart and briefly looked the more likely winners before Mazovia found the decisive moment inside the final ten minutes.

Key moments

• 9 minutes: Mazovia open the scoring with a composed finish after a quick exchange of passes on the edge of the area.
• 27 minutes: A second goal arrives from a set piece, the centre-back rising highest to head home a corner.
• 44 minutes: Wisla II pull one back, their forward latching onto a through ball and finishing low into the corner.
• 56 minutes: The visitors equalise, a deflected shot from distance looping in off the underside of the crossbar.
• 82 minutes: Mazovia win it, a substitute driving into the box and finishing emphatically at the near post.
• Full time: A nervy but deserved 3-2 victory for the home side.

Tactical story

Mazovia's first-half dominance came from aggressive pressing and quick vertical passing into the channels. Their two-goal lead was built on winning the ball back quickly and attacking before Wisla II could reorganise, which left the visitors chasing shadows for long periods.

Wisla II's response was a tactical adjustment rather than a change in personnel. Their midfielders began dropping deeper to receive the ball, drawing the press and creating space behind it. That tweak produced both goals and transformed the contest into an open, stretched affair in which either side might have won.

In the end, Mazovia's greater physicality told. Their ability to keep runners arriving in the box late in the game proved the difference, and the winning goal came from exactly that pattern of play.

Standout performers

The Mazovia centre-back who headed in the second goal was outstanding at both ends, dominant in the air and calm in possession. The substitute who scored the winner added a spark that had been missing as the game slipped away, while the goalkeeper made an excellent stop at 2-2.

Wisla II Plock will take heart from the resilience of their young squad. Their goalscorer showed excellent movement, and the midfielder who drove the second-half comeback was arguably the best player on the pitch for long stretches.

What it means in the Liga 3 table

The three points keep Mazovia Minsk Mazowiecki firmly in the mix in the Liga 3 promotion conversation, a valuable result given the competitive nature of the division. Wisla II Plock leave with nothing but a performance that underlined the quality within their development setup.

Both sides will now look to the next round of fixtures, with Mazovia keen to build a run of form and Wisla II determined to convert strong spells into results.