Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Stal Rzeszów came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Ruh Lviv in their final pre-season friendly, with Mateusz Leniart scoring a 90th-minute equaliser.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Ruh Lviv took the lead against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Kyrylo Rybak capitalised on a defensive lapse from the hosts to slot home on 45 minutes, sending the Ukrainian side into the break 1-0 up.
The visitors doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart. Volodymyr Shelepinskyi produced a fine finish that left Stal goalkeeper Svyatoslav Vanivskyi with no chance.
Stal responded immediately. Szymon Salamon found himself one-on-one with the Ruh goalkeeper after a swift passing exchange and pulled one back in the 53rd minute, making it 2-1.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Stal struggled to carve out clear chances in the remainder of the second half. Ruh Lviv actually looked the more likely to add a third on the counter.
But in the 90th minute, Leniart produced a spectacular strike to level the scores at 2-2, ensuring the hosts avoided defeat in their final warm-up fixture.
Three yellow cards were shown — to Stal (84', 90+2') and Ruh (85') — before a Stal player was sent off in the fifth minute of added time, souring the closing moments.
The turning point
Ruh Lviv's quickfire double — Rybak's opener just before half-time followed by Shelepinskyi's strike four minutes into the second half — gave the Ukrainians a commanding 2-0 lead. Stal could have crumbled, but Salamon's immediate response (53') kept the momentum from swinging entirely the visitors' way. The goal, scored within four minutes of the restart, shifted the psychological balance and set up the late drama.
Key performers
Mateusz Leniart (Stal Rzeszów) — The substitute's 90th-minute equaliser salvaged the draw. His finish was the outstanding moment of quality in the match. ★ Player of the match.
Volodymyr Shelepinskyi (Ruh Lviv) — The 18-year-old midfielder scored a well-taken goal early in the second half and was a creative threat throughout.
Kyrylo Rybak (Ruh Lviv) — Scored the crucial opener just before half-time, exploiting a defensive lapse with calm finishing.
Szymon Salamon (Stal Rzeszów) — His quick response goal in the 53rd minute brought Stal back into the contest and prevented the match from getting away from Zub's side.
By the numbers — interpreted
Stal Rzeszów's 2-2 recovery from 2-0 down mirrors their 4-2 win over Gornik Leczna on 4 July, where they also showed second-half resilience. Ruh Lviv, who had lost four of their previous five pre-season outings before this match, demonstrated improved organisation but could not hold onto their lead. The three yellow cards and one red card (all after the 84th minute) suggest the game grew increasingly physical as Stal pushed for an equaliser.
What it means
Stal Rzeszów wrap up their pre-season preparations unbeaten in their last two friendlies (0-0 vs Korona Kielce on 14 July, 2-2 vs Ruh Lviv). Marek Zub's side now turn their attention to the Betclic 1. Liga opener. Their next fixture is scheduled for early August 2026.
For Ruh Lviv, the draw is a positive result against a Polish second-tier side, though they will be disappointed not to have held on for the win. The Ukrainian third-tier side continue their pre-season programme ahead of the upcoming domestic campaign.
Verdict
A tale of two halves: Stal Rzeszów were caught cold by a sharp Ruh Lviv side either side of the interval but showed enough character to salvage a draw. The late red card and mounting yellow count suggest frustration crept in, but Zub will take heart from his team's refusal to lose. Ruh Lviv, meanwhile, will rue the lapse in concentration that cost them a notable scalp.
Match Events
Key match events between Stal Rzeszów and Ruh Lviv — 4 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 19 Jul 2026