BUDAPEST HONVÉD FC – SK PUNTIGAMER STURM GRAZ 2–2 (1–0)
Goalscorers: Czinege, Gégény
Honvéd: Stenlund (Krizsan 54.) – Czinege (Végh 85.), Róth, Nyul (Csáki 54.), Krisztin, Horváthová, Williams, Vas, Gégény, Vachter, Simon.
Balázs Dörnyei:
“We played a very good match against the fourth-placed team in the Austrian league; we would need one game like this every week. We were able to improve a great deal in every element of our play compared with last weekend, and against a much stronger opponent as well. It is very positive that we can play a match at this level of intensity, because this tempo is not typical domestically. The opponent pressed continuously, closed us down high and counter-pressed, so it was an extremely pulsating, dynamic match. We still had to get used to this intensity in the first 15 minutes, but after that the team worked very well throughout. We even had a two-goal lead, but in a friendly the result is secondary. It is much more important that we were disciplined, tough and aggressive – qualities we also want to build on in the league.”
Eszter Czinege:
“We put together several nice attacks and played in a disciplined way. The opponent played faster, more dynamic football and was particularly dangerous in transitions and out wide, but our defence reacted well to these situations. Overall, speaking on behalf of everyone, I can say that we played a useful and instructive friendly that served our preparations well and showed us where we still need to improve. The balanced game and high tempo gave us useful feedback that we are on the right track and can hold our own against strong opposition as well. The match was characterised mainly by the duels; we managed to create chances, while the defence reacted very well to the opponent’s attacks. I feel we got the maximum out of this match.”
Balázs Dörnyei’s side will next play a friendly next Saturday, when they host Spartak Myjava at the academy.
