Czarni Sosnowiec fall short but stay in Europe

Czarni Sosnowiec’s Women’s Champions League qualifying run ended in the final round against OH Leuven, but the Polish champions did at least show resistance in Belgium before their European journey moved into a different competition.

A difficult task after the first leg

The tie had already become a major challenge for Czarni after a heavy home defeat in the opening match of the last qualifying round. That left the Polish side needing something special away from home at Den Dreef in Heverlee against the Belgian champions.

Even so, Czarni had reached this stage through an impressive route. They first won a mini-tournament on home soil featuring Skopje 2014, Nike Lusso and Athlone Town. They then came through another mini-tournament hosted by Apollon Ladies, drawing in the semi-final before advancing on penalties and then beating Spartak Myjava in the final.

Burzan goal gave Czarni brief hope

For a short spell in Belgium, Czarni found a way to make the contest interesting. Just before half-time, Zofia Burzan reduced the aggregate deficit after being set up by Karlina Miksone.

That goal gave the Polish champions a lift, but the momentum did not last long. Julie Biesmans equalised for OH Leuven not long after the break, restoring control to the Belgian side and making the comeback task even steeper.

Leuven finish the job

Czarni were still in the contest deep into the second half, and OH Leuven even missed a penalty when Jada Conijnenberg failed to convert from the spot in the 76th minute. But the Dutch forward responded a few minutes later by finishing an attack that effectively settled the tie.

The result confirmed OH Leuven’s place in the Women’s Champions League league phase, while Czarni’s campaign in that competition came to an end at the final hurdle.

European season continues in the Europa Cup

There is, however, no full stop on Czarni Sosnowiec’s continental season. The club will now enter the second round of Europa Cup qualifying.

• 12 winners from first-round Europa Cup qualifying ties will be involved
• 9 teams eliminated in the third round of Women’s Champions League qualifying will join them
• 11 runners-up from second-round Women’s Champions League mini-tournaments will also enter
• The 32 teams will form 16 qualifying ties

The draw is scheduled for Friday, 4 September, with the matches to be played on 23 and 30 September.

The wider significance of the competition is also clear for Polish football. The Women’s Champions League final in the 2026/27 season is set to be staged at the National Stadium in Warsaw.