Turkey Come from Behind to Defeat Hungary 3-1 in Nations League Playoff
Turkey came from behind to defeat Hungary 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoff, thanks to late goals from Kerem Akturkoglu and Irfan Can Kahveci, giving them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.
Turkey secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Hungary in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoff, thanks to two late goals that turned the tide of the match. This win marked a significant turnaround for Turkey, who had previously suffered three consecutive defeats at the hands of Hungary.
Turkey, determined to make up for missing out on automatic promotion to League A, started the match with intent and were unlucky not to be awarded an early penalty when Kenan Yildiz was fouled by Bendeguz Bolla. Undeterred, Turkey continued to press and took the lead in the 9th minute through Orkun Kokcu's impressive curling effort from 20 yards, set up by Oguz Aydin's pass.
Hungary responded swiftly, with Zsolt Nagy and Milos Kerkez testing Ugurcan Cakir with ambitious shots. The visitors maintained their pressure and eventually equalized in the 32nd minute, as Andras Schafer volleyed home Barnabas Varga's knockdown inside the area, ending Hungary's 10-match drought without scoring in the opening 30 minutes.
The first half concluded with late chances at both ends, as Hungary's Barnabas Varga headed wide from close range, while Oguz Aydin's cross-shot narrowly cleared the bar, landing on the roof of the net. Following a frenetic first half, the second period began with a more cautious approach from both teams, although Hungary appeared more likely to score, with Dominik Szoboszlai's deflected effort saved by Ugurcan Cakir.
However, Turkey's fortunes changed dramatically in the final 20 minutes. After absorbing early pressure, Vincenzo Montella's team suddenly sprang to life, scoring twice in four minutes to seal the win. Kerem Akturkoglu restored Turkey's lead, heading in his fifth goal in six UNL appearances after Aydin's pinpoint cross. Irfan Can Kahveci then added a decisive third, latching onto Akturkoglu's lay-off and unleashing a powerful strike into the bottom corner, putting the match beyond Hungary's reach.
The defeat leaves Hungary facing an uphill battle in the second leg at Puskas Aréna on Thursday. The loss marked Hungary's first consecutive away defeats in competitive matches since November 2019. Meanwhile, Turkey's victory extended their unbeaten home run to seven consecutive matches, giving them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.
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