Sturm Graz vs Pogon Szczecin

The first half finished goalless despite Sturm Graz creating the clearer openings. The Austrian side struck the woodwork twice and forced Pogon goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru into a sharp close-range save in the 39th minute, as reported by WP SportoweFakty.

Sturm continued to carry the greater threat after the interval. In the 56th minute, a shot whistled past the right-hand post. Pogon's best chance arrived in the 66th minute when veteran winger Kamil Grosicki forced a powerful save from the Sturm goalkeeper with a strike from close range, the ball deflected to a corner.

With the score still 0-0 after 90 minutes, both teams played an additional 30 minutes as pre-arranged. The deadlock was broken in the 117th minute when Kayombo collected the ball outside the penalty area and placed a precise shot beyond Cojocaru to secure the win.

Kayombo's goal with three minutes of extra time remaining was the only moment of clinical finishing in a match where Sturm Graz had dominated territorially and created the better chances. The goal came from a phase of sustained pressure, with Kayombo afforded space 20 yards from goal to pick his spot.

Axel Kayombo (Sturm Graz) — The match-winner with a composed finish from distance in the 117th minute, his only real sight of goal.

Valentin Cojocaru (Pogon Szczecin) — The Pogon goalkeeper made several important saves, notably a close-range stop in the 39th minute, to keep his side in the game for 117 minutes.

Kamil Grosicki (Pogon Szczecin) — The experienced winger came closest for the Polish side with a powerful effort from close range that required a strong save in the 66th minute.

The match was played over 120 minutes (2×45 + 30), a deliberate choice by both coaching staffs to maximise fitness minutes ahead of their respective season openers. Sturm Graz were the more threatening side throughout, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing multiple saves from Cojocaru. The 1-0 scoreline understates Sturm's territorial dominance — this was not a tight contest settled by a single chance, but a game where the Austrian side's failure to convert earlier openings made the scoreline appear closer than the balance of play.

This was the final pre-season friendly for both sides. Sturm Graz now turn their attention to a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Heart of Midlothian on Tuesday 21 July 2026 — a fixture that carries significant financial and sporting stakes for the Austrian Bundesliga side.

Pogon Szczecin concluded their pre-season programme with a mixed record: wins over Dynamo Berlin (3-0) and Chrobry Głogów (2-1), but defeats to Zagłębie Lubin (0-2), Fenerbahce (0-4) and Sturm Graz (0-1). The Polish Ekstraklasa side will look to sharpen their attacking edge before the league campaign begins.

A purposeful pre-season workout for both sides, played over 120 minutes as planned. Sturm Graz will take greater encouragement from the performance — their dominance of chances and territory bodes well ahead of their Champions League qualifier, provided they improve their finishing. Pogon's defensive organisation held firm for 117 minutes but their lack of incision in attack is a concern that needs addressing before the Ekstraklasa season kicks off.

Sources: SK Sturm Graz official website, WP SportoweFakty, PolsatSport, Flashscore, Futbol24