UECL: Lincoln Red Imps Make History with 2-1 Win Over Lech Poznan

Lincoln Red Imps pull off stunning upset against Polish giants

Lincoln Red Imps secured a historic 2-1 victory over Polish giants Lech Poznan in the UEFA Conference League, thanks to a decisive header from Christian Rutjens in the 88th minute.

Kolejorz, unbeaten in five games with two wins and three draws, started strong as Gisli Thordarson shot over the bar early on...

Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps pulled off a stunning upset, securing their first-ever European win in the UEFA Conference League. They defeated Polish giants Lech Poznan 2-1 at the Europa Point Stadium, despite Lech hitting the woodwork three times.

David vs Goliath Matchup

The match seemed like a mismatch on paper, with Lech Poznan, the Polish champions, facing off against Gibraltar's only fully professional side, Lincoln Red Imps. Both teams had failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, making this matchup a crucial test for both sides. However, Lincoln Red Imps proved they were not just there to make up the numbers, as they took the lead through Kike Gomez's goal in the 33rd minute. Mikael Ishak's penalty in the 77th minute leveled the score, but Christian Rutjens's looping header in the 88th minute sealed the win for Lincoln Red Imps.

Despite being heavy favorites and unbeaten in five games, Kolejorz got off to a slow start, with Gisli Thordarson hitting the crossbar early on.

However, Lincoln showed their intent with Tjay De Barr striking the crossbar after a strong solo run towards goal, proving they were more than just a warm-up opponent.

Kolejorz, unbeaten in five games with two wins and three draws, started strong as Gisli Thordarson shot over the bar early on. However, Lincoln Red Imps quickly showed their determination, with Tjay De Barr hitting the crossbar after a bold solo run.

The Gibraltarians' resilience paid off when Kike Gomez scored after Bernardo Lopes cleverly hooked the ball into the box, catching the Polish defense off guard. Despite red cards to non-playing staff, Lincoln maintained their focus and held the lead into halftime.

Yannick Agnero's point-blank header was denied by the woodwork, but Lincoln took the lead after 33 minutes when Bernardo Lopes' clever hook-back allowed Kike Gomez to score.

The Gibraltarians held their lead into halftime, showing their resolve despite the tension off the pitch, which saw red cards given to non-playing staff on two occasions.

Niels Frederiksen made three changes at halftime to shake up his team, but it was Lincoln that nearly scored again. Boubacar Sidik Dabo reacted quickly to flick in a goal that was ruled offside. The visitors were soon on the back foot as Lech Poznan's pressure paid off.

Lech Poznan responded strongly, hitting the crossbar twice in quick succession with headers from Bryan Fiabema and Taofeek Ismaheel. The pressure told when Mikael Ishak converted a penalty in the 77th minute to level the score.

The match seemed destined for a draw, but Christian Rutjens scored a late winner with a looping header in the 88th minute.

Lech Poznan intensified their attack as the game neared its conclusion, and their efforts were rewarded when goalkeeper Jaylan Hankins punched Pablo Rodríguez, resulting in a penalty. Mikael Ishak calmly converted the spot kick to level the score.

HISTORY…. AGAIN!!!! #LRIFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/WttRY8cRja

— Lincoln Red Imps FC (@LincolnRedImps) October 23, 2025

However, Lech's celebrations were short-lived, as Christian Rutjens sealed the win with a decisive looping header in the 88th minute, sparking jubilation among the small contingent of Lincoln Red Imps supporters at the Europa Point Stadium.

Lincoln Red Imps rebounded from a heavy defeat to Zrinjski Mostar by pulling off a stunning win, getting their UEFA Conference League campaign off to a winning start.

Lech Poznan, however, failed to build on their opening match win over SK Rapid Wien, extending their away winless streak in the competition.