LEGIA WARSAW: THE HEART AND SOUL OF POLISH FOOTBALL

November 13, 2024

“Once they entered the stadium a whole new world opened for them. Football is their religion.”

LEGIA WARSAW POLAND’S PRIDE

Raffael and I arrived in Warsaw and found a very peaceful city, where the people were humble and accommodating. It is a city with heart and soul, where every street corner could tell a story and where the weight of history has left its mark on the architecture and culture.

We explored the Old Town and meandered aimlessly through the charming Praga district, discovering countless cafes and restaurants where we could nourish ourselves. Despite the delicious offerings of food, coffee, and beer, we weren’t here just for excellent cuisine.

There was something far more pressing on our minds. That evening, we would be making our way to the Polish Army Stadium to witness the country’s most historic, successful, and famous football club, Legia Warsaw, as they took on rivals Widzew Łódź.

Founded in 1916 by soldiers of the Polish Legions, Legia has grown into a symbol of pride, resilience, and athletic prowess for the nation. With 16 Polish championships, a record 20 Polish Cups, 5 Polish Super Cups, and a loyal fan base that other teams could only dream of, the opportunity to watch Legia Warsaw in the flesh was tantalising.

AN EXPLOSION OF FIREWORKS

Neither Raffael nor I had experienced an Ekstraklasa match before, so we were unsure of what to expect. Legia is renowned for its colourful tifos, explosive atmosphere, and dedicated section of ultras, so of course we were eagerly anticipating the occasion.

As we made our way to the Polish Army Stadium, the atmosphere was already beginning to build. Families, men and women, young and old, all made their way through the streets in numbers, each wrapped in Legia scarves, some holding flags aloft, all chanting the name of their club in unison.

We entered the stadium, its lights illuminating the dark November evening, and we were soon utterly captivated by what we saw. An explosion of fireworks lit up the sky, and a guitarist walked onto the pitch to serenade the fans as the noise levels cranked up a notch.

The history of this club is over 100 years of tradition, emotions, passion and fight and it is etched on the faces of every Legia supporter in the stadium. It is clear to see that what Legia Warsaw represents is more than just a football club

We hadn’t quite prepared ourselves for such an intense atmosphere, the kind where the noise echoes throughout the stadium, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and sending a shiver of anticipation through your body.

We looked over to the famed ultras section; they were in full voice, with their Bengal torches and smoke adding to the occasion. Their roars and rituals could be heard and seen throughout the game, and even little kids in the family stand were as fanatical as them.

The “Legioniści” as the fans are affectionately called, create a formidable atmosphere, filling the stadium with choreographed displays, chants, and a palpable sense of community. For visiting teams, the intensity of Legia’s fan support can feel like stepping into a fortress.

THE ATMOSPHERE NEVER RELENTED

It would be one night in Warsaw for us, and what a night it was. The pyros, the people, the pulsing passion of the Polish Army Stadium—a green machine of energy and excitement reverberating with noise.

On a cold evening in Warsaw, the stadium turned into a cauldron, the heat making it unbearable for Widzew Łódź. The supporters pushed Legia until the very last second of the game, and the players gave everything for them in return.

The rivalry between Widzew Łódź is an intriguing one. Though in recent years Łódź have endured financial hardships, and relegations, throughout the 90s they competed fiercely against Legia for the Ekstraklasa, creating one of the most compelling periods in Polish football.

Legia triumphed to the 92/93 and 93/94 titles and would lift the Ekstraklasa once again in the 94/95 season, with Łódź finishing second. However, The Czerwona Armia would gain their revenge by winning back-to-back titles in the following seasons, for the first time since the 80s

It marked an intense period between the two clubs, cementing their rivalry. With Łódź recently returning to the Ekstraklasa, the flame of one of Polish football’s most exciting contests has once more been rekindled.

During the day, Raffael and I had remarked on how quiet and perhaps introverted the people of Warsaw seemed. But once they entered the stadium, a whole new world opened up. Football is their religion.

This whole night was unlike anything we had experienced before. The atmosphere from start to finish never relented, and the astonishing show of fireworks and music set the scene for the entire evening, which concluded with a dramatic finish when Paweł Wszołek fired home the winner, sending the home fans into ecstasy.

Legia Warsaw triumphed over their fierce rivals Widzew Łódź, 2-1, a result that sees them sit in fifth place in the table. This is a team though with its sights set higher, and make no mistake—this club will do all it can to ensure that come, season’s end, they are sitting at the top of the table.

It was a night we will never forget, and we extend our deepest thanks to the people of Warsaw, who welcomed us as one of their own. Long live Legia.