After Croatia, the Šošoni experienced another electric European atmosphere - this time in Katowice. Following a goalless first half, both sides had chances, with Marko Roginić and Adam Zreľák unable to find the breakthrough. Slovak striker Zreľák eventually put the hosts ahead after the break, but Fero Kóša responded quickly to keep Žilina on course for next round. Katowice, however, turned the tie around with two late goals in the space of three minutes, ending the Šošoni’s European journey. For the second year in a row, a Polish side brings our continental campaign to a close.

Head coach Pavol Staňo set the same starting XI that earned a 2:1 win in the first leg at the home stadium in Žilina. For the hosts, Slovaks Adam Zreľák and Erik Jirka both started. The Šošoni settled into the atmosphere well and created the first chances. Timotej Hranica fired over early on, while Marko Roginić headed wide. At the other end, Zreľák went closest for Katowice, striking the post after an earlier missed opportunity. Žilina came within inches of taking the lead in the 18th minute when Patrik Iľko played Roginić through, but the Croatian could only find the side netting. Despite growing home pressure, the first half ended goalless.

The biggest chance after the break initially belonged to Žilina, with Katowice captain Arkadiusz Jędrych producing a crucial block to deny Krisztián Bari in front of an empty net. Moments later, the hosts struck first as Zreľák headed home to level the aggregate score. The response was immediate. A superb move across the pitch ended with Fero Kóša rifling a low finish beyond Kobylak to make it 1:1 on the night and restore the Šošoni’s advantage in the tie. Katowice continued to push forward and eventually turned the tie around late on. Substitute Wdowiak headed in from a free kick before Shkurin added another goal just three minutes later to put the Polish side ahead on aggregate. Žilina threw everything forward in search of a goal that would force extra time, but the hosts held on and celebrated progression to the third qualifying round. The Šošoni’s European journey therefore comes to an end in Katowice after two late goals. After the European disappointment, attention now turns back to the Niké Liga, with a trip to Michalovce awaiting on Sunday.

Post-match reactions