29.07.2026

Ahead of Katowice: Play with courage, even in an atmosphere like this

The job is only half done. Although a tough challenge awaits in Katowice, the Šošoni travel to Poland for the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round holding a one-goal advantage from last week's home victory.

As usual, Wednesday was dedicated to the team's journey to the match venue, followed by the pre-match press conference and the official training session at Arena Katowice. This time, head coach Pavol Staňo and our midfielder and "local Pole" Fabian Bzdyl spoke to the media.

Thursday’s return leg kicks off at 20:30 CEST and will be broadcast live on STVR Šport. The match will be officiated by an all-Hungarian refereeing team led by Bence Csonka.

European debut at the new arena

A football celebration awaits in Katowice. After 23 years, GKS are back on the European stage and will experience their first-ever continental fixture at their new, state-of-the-art Arena Katowice.

The home supporters already showcased their passion at the Stadium under the Dubeň hill, travelling in large numbers and creating a loud atmosphere in the away end. The return leg promises another intense setting, with GKS reporting a near sell-out crowd and one of the best atmospheres of the opening weeks of the season expected in Poland.

The Šošoni, however, are a little wiser after their experience at Poljud in Split and will look to repeat at least the level of performance shown in the first leg. While the venue in Katowice is smaller, the compact stadium is set to generate an even more intense atmosphere.

Like Slovakia, Poland kicked off its new league season over the weekend. Katowice began their Ekstraklasa campaign with a 2:1 defeat away to newly promoted Wisła Kraków. Head coach Rafał Górak kept faith with much of the side that started in Žilina, naming eight of the same players in his starting XI. Despite the defeat, Katowice delivered a solid first-half display and only lost control of the match after conceding twice following the break.

The Polish side relies on the core of the squad that secured a historic European qualification last season. Key figures include experienced defenders Arkadiusz Jędrych and Marlon Resta, creative midfielder Bartosz Nowak, and attacking threats Eman Marković and Slovak forward Adam Zreľák, all among the team's most dangerous players in the final third.

Another challenging European night lies ahead. Katowice will be driven on by a packed stadium and a historic occasion, while the Šošoni travel to Silesia accompanied by their supporters and determined to build on a strong first-leg performance as they fight for progression in what is expected to be one of the best atmospheres of the summer.

Press conference live

Head coach Pavol Staňo and our midfielder and “local Pole” Fabian Bzdyl faced the media at Arena Katowice ahead of the match. Fans can watch the full press conference free of charge (registration required) on Šošon Play.

Away section tickets and fan bus travel

Tickets for Thursday’s match can be purchased through the official sales platform of GKS Katowice. In accordance with Polish regulations, supporters must provide both their name and ID card number when purchasing a ticket.

How to buy an away ticket

• First, create an account in the GKS ticketing system.

• After registration, open the away-sector ticket link and select your seat in Sector 13.

Following an agreement between the clubs, Žilina supporters have been allocated an away section with a capacity of more than 1,000 seats.

Tickets for the away sector are available exclusively through the GKS Katowice ticketing platform. The ticket price has been set at approximately €11 (49 PLN). Tickets can be purchased online until kick-off at 20:30, while ticket offices at the stadium will remain closed.

Supporter liaison contact (SLO)

Should you need any assistance on matchday, please contact our supporter liaison officer:

Milan Harcek

milan.harcek@mskzilina.sk | +421 948 190 993

Milan will be present in the away section throughout the match and ready to assist Żilina supporters if needed. We look forward to your backing and believe we can create a great atmosphere together, even on a demanding away ground in Poland.

Away-section tickets remain available until kick-off, exclusively online.

Fan bus trip

The supporter-organised bus trip on Thursday, 30 July, will follow this schedule:

• 15:45 – Bus arrival at the parking house within the MŠK Žilina complex (West Stand)

• 16:00 – Departure from Žilina

• 19:00 – Arrival at Arena Katowice

• 20:30 – Kick-off

• After the match – Departure back to Žilina

Please note that, following the final whistle, Žilina supporters will be required to remain in the away section for 30 minutes before leaving the stadium.

The cost of transport is €20 per person. Match tickets must be purchased separately.

Registration and payment:

Miroslav Jacko, +421 907 342 537