The Polish Ekstraklasa (top-tier league) consists of 18 teams and is played in a double round-robin format (each team plays every other team twice, once at home and once away). Points are calculated as follows: 3 points for a win, 0 points for a loss, and 1 point for a draw. At the end of the season, teams are ranked based on their total accumulated points. If two or more teams are equal in points, the ranking is determined by the following criteria, in order: a) Points obtained in head-to-head matches; b) Goal difference in head-to-head matches; c) Overall goal difference; d) Overall goals scored; e) Number of wins; f) Number of away wins; g) Reduction of points based on red and yellow cards (disciplinary points); h) Fair play points; i) Drawing of lots (if still tied). Qualification for European Competitions & Relegated Teams: The 1st and 2nd placed teams qualify for the next season's UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The 3rd and 4th placed teams qualify for the next season's UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds. The last 3 teams in the league are directly relegated. The winner of the Polish Cup qualifies for the next season's UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. If the Polish Cup winner has already secured a European qualification spot through the league, the Europa League spot is passed down to the 5th placed team in the league.