Lech Poznan. What are they still doing in the Europa League Competition?

The "Kolejorz" or in English the "Railwaymen" are moving at a locomotive pace, faster than your average speeding train, this brave Polish side have picked up dramatic momentum and hope to make history in 2011. 

For only the second time since their existence Lech have reached the group stages of the Europa League and for a league like Poland this is an extraordinary step. But, the brilliance does not stop here, when Lech found out who they were facing in the Group Stages of the Europa League everyone had already written them off. 

Group A or the "Group of Death" had Premier giants Manchester City, and Seria A super club Juventus FC, and finally to top it off Austrian FC Salzburg.

Even the most devoted Kolejorze fans knew that this time around it was going to be impossible, but was it?

Even the most optimistic Lech fan couldn't even have foreshadowed this kind of result at the end of the Group stage, but this soon turned into reality. Lech went into Italy and was up 3-1 early in the game, Juventus came back strong but the 1 away point was huge not only for the board but for Lech's confidence. Lech would go on to beat Manchester City 3-1, tie the remaining Juventus game and beat Red Bull both times. This time around Lech Poznan fans knew that anyone coming into their new stadium would be in a whirlwind of trouble, as they kept their home record very clean.

Back track to December 17, 2010 Lech finds out they will be facing Champions League drop off's S.C  Braga in the knockout round of 32. The lottery was kind to Lech, even though a tough challenge lays ahead it could have been a lot worse.

This talented team out of Portugal is home to many great players that are of Brazilian origin, but in recent weeks many of these talented players are on their way out. GK Felipe, CB Leo Fortunato and FW Elton have been released. Also, leading goal scorer Matheus is also on the verge of leaving. On the other hand, new MF Vinícius has arrived. What many fans will anticipate is getting a chance to watch this game at one of the world's most beautiful stadiums; below Estadio Municipal de Braga.

What about Lech Poznan?  Everyone in Poland hopes they will splash some cash as they are known to be very cheap. Evidence of this was seen last year, when legendary striker Robert Lewandowski left for German powerhouse Borrusia Dortmund for several million euro. What did Lech do to replace him? They brought in a free out of form 33 year old Artur Wichniarek! His contract was terminated several months later. 

Lech Poznan needs to bring in some good talent if they are to progress into the next stages of the Europa League. If Lech buys the following; a striker, a defender, and a winger they will have a good chance to advance.

This January transfer window has already started and is become an exciting one for Lech as they have bought two players and let one go. Lech have brought in FW Bartosz Slusarski, who will add depth and if he does more it will be wonderful. A fun fact for us all is that Bartosz played in Portugal and once scored against Braga! Young CD Hubert Wolakiewicz was also signed and if Lech pay the right price he will move in this transfer window and not in the summer. Finally, Lech lost a vital part of their team with the departure of winger Slawomir Peszko to German side Koln. 

One thing is for sure, Lech Poznan will have a huge advantage and that is their 12th man, the Lech Poznan Ultras; 42,000 of them waiting at stadiom Miejski.

And...if you missed their run in Europa League here is a great compilation! 

I will be keeping you up to date via Twitter @bigcmos81 on all relevant information on Braga and Lech as they prepare to square off in February of 2011.