Ferencváros Advance to Europa League Round of 16

Ferencváros (FTC) defeated Ludogorets 2–0 at home in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff on Thursday, advancing to the round of 16 with a 3–2 aggregate victory.

The home side dominated throughout the match and already held a two-goal lead at halftime thanks to goals from Gavriel Kanichowsky and Kristoffer Zachariassen. As expected, Ferencváros started with great intensity and an attacking approach, pushed forward by their fans from the first minute.

Photo: MTI/Bodnár Boglárka

In the 13th minute, a fine attacking move by Ferencváros ended with Abu Fani’s cross being laid off by Yusuf, and Kanichowsky scored from 14 meters with a deflected shot to give the hosts the lead (1–0). In the 31st minute, after Joseph won the ball, Yusuf set up Zachariassen, who controlled it and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner (2–0).

In the closing minutes of the first half, the Bulgarian side created several chances, but their attackers failed to hit Gróf’s goal, with attempts going wide or over the bar.

Lenny Joseph of Ferencváros (right) and Olivier Verdon of Ludogorets (left). Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

After the break, Gróf was the first goalkeeper called into action, producing an excellent save from close range. Minutes later, the FTC keeper was busy again, this time stopping a header with a quick reflex.

As the match went on, the FTC’s dominance became almost overwhelming, but the green-and-white side failed to convert their numerous chances into further goals.

Toon Raemaekers (left) of Ferencváros and Kwadwo Duah of Ludogorets in action. Photo: MTI/Bodnár Boglárka

In the 86th minute, FTC supporters were briefly alarmed when the referee was asked by VAR to review a possible penalty for the Bulgarian team. After a long review, the referee ruled out the penalty due to offside. In the closing stages and stoppage time, Ludogorets pushed forward desperately but could not find a breakthrough.

This was the fifth meeting between the two teams this season, with FTC recording their third victory over the Bulgarian side.

Ferencváros head coach Robbie Keane said

reaching the Europa League round of 16 was a major achievement, especially since few expected it at the time of the draw.

The 45-year-old Irish coach emphasized that playing among the best 16 teams shows the mentality of his players. “Everyone was impressive today — Yusuf and Joseph up front, but the others and the substitutes as well. Everyone who came on delivered the same level as those on the pitch, and that is the sign of a good team,” said Keane.

The Hungarian champions’ coach added that he felt completely calm before the match because he was confident his team would create chances and score. “Of course we should have scored more goals, and that was also true in the away match. Ludogorets did not have many chances either today or a week ago, which shows we were tactically well prepared. My problem with the two goals we conceded in Razgrad was that they were avoidable,” Keane explained.

His counterpart, Ludogorets coach Per-Mathias Högmo, congratulated Ferencváros on advancing and wished the Hungarian side success, describing them as a very strong team with excellent players.

In the round of 16, Keane’s team will face either FC Porto or SC Braga.

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