GLIWICE, Poland (Interstat) — Motor Lublin opened its Ekstraklasa season with a surprising 2-1 victory over Piast Gliwice on Friday, defying heavy statistical odds with a resilient performance capped by a late winning goal.

The match, played before a crowd at Stadion Miejski im. Piotra Wieczorka, saw the visiting side overcome an early deficit and a significant pregame projection that favored the hosts. Interstat’s ELO system had given Piast Gliwice an 83.10 percent probability to win, while its game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw.

Motor Lublin’s comeback was fueled by impactful substitutions, most notably Mbaye Jacques Ndiaye. The substitute entered the match and made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal in just the third minute to stun the home supporters. Ndiaye later assisted on the decisive goal.

Piast Gliwice, the home side, struggled to convert its presumed advantage into sustained offensive pressure in the first half. The match grew increasingly tense, with Ndiaye receiving a yellow card in the 32nd minute for a foul.

The dynamic of the game shifted after halftime. Motor Lublin found its equalizer in the 58th minute through another substitute, Karol Czubak, who scored to level the match at 1-1. The goal energized the visitors and set the stage for a dramatic finish.

The winning sequence came in the 79th minute. Ndiaye, already with a goal and an assist, combined with forward Leandro Sanca, who finished the play to put Motor Lublin ahead 2-1. Sanca’s goal completed the turnaround and ultimately secured the three points for the visitors.

Piast Gliwice pushed for a second equalizer in the closing stages, but Motor Lublin’s defense held firm. The match concluded with a flurry of disciplinary actions deep into stoppage time, as four yellow cards were issued in the final minutes. Jason Lokilo was booked in the 90+2 minute, followed by simultaneous cautions for Andreas Katsantonis and Patryk Dziczek in the 90+6 minute. Dziczek and Katsantonis had each recorded an assist in the match.

The result provides a perfect start to the Polish top-flight campaign for Motor Lublin, which begins the season with one win and no losses in Ekstraklasa play. For Piast Gliwice, the loss marks a disappointing start to its domestic season, beginning with zero wins and one loss.

Across all competitions, the records mirror the opening day outcome, with Motor Lublin at one win and no losses and Piast Gliwice at zero wins and one loss following this singular fixture. The victory on the road against a favored opponent gives Motor Lublin early momentum as the league season progresses.