Our U17 team achieved a hard-fought and inspiring comeback victory over FCSB at the weekend. Head coach Zoltán Fogarasi shared a detailed post-match analysis.

Our U17 team achieved a hard-fought and inspiring comeback victory over FCSB at the weekend. Head coach Zoltán Fogarasi shared a detailed post-match analysis:

After three consecutive games without a win, we hosted the league leaders, and naturally, we did not expect an easy match. The weekly training work went very well, and it was clear that the boys were eagerly looking forward to this game. Fortunately, we managed to analyse the opponent in depth, so overall, they could not surprise us with anything unexpected or unfamiliar.

Even so, they started the match much better than we did, and we struggled to find solutions to their fast play, taking a long time to settle into the rhythm of the game. Around the 20th minute, we finally found our own tempo and identified the areas in their defensive structure where we could progress with the ball. From that moment, we spent more and more time in the attacking half. Our play became increasingly effective thanks to the constant pressure we applied, winning many balls and excelling in collecting second balls, which significantly reduced their time in possession. Although aside from a few promising attacks and set pieces we did not create major chances, the opponent broke through twice with deep runs, but our goalkeeper saved both situations brilliantly.

At the beginning of the second half, we briefly played in numerical superiority, and that was when we truly felt that we could not only put them under pressure but also dominate the game. We launched more and more wing attacks, dismantled their wide defensive structure well, and delivered several dangerous crosses, though the final sharpness was still missing. The opponent took the lead through a somewhat fortunate goal, but this did not break us. We continued to attack, maintained long spells in their half, and our recoveries, pressing, and counter-pressing became increasingly effective, leading to more positive transitions. Approaching the final minutes, we put everything on the line in search of the equaliser — which we achieved — and then, scoring again in the dying moments, we secured the victory.

This was the fourth playoff match in which we fell behind early — something I am not satisfied with — but it also shows the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. Except for the game against Iași, we managed to turn the score around twice and draw once. The value of this comeback is even greater considering we did it against a very strong team.

This result closes the autumn phase of the playoff, which we finish with two wins, two draws and one defeat. Since the summer, the boys have developed tremendously — physically, mentally and professionally — making our current fourth place realistic. However, we have not given up on the ambition to climb higher in the spring. It is clear that we are playing much tougher matches than in the regular season, but such games are exactly what help the boys develop, being challenged continuously for 80–85 minutes.

Until the winter break, we still have two cup matches and a tournament in Budapest, where we aim to perform well. I congratulate the whole team for their performance this autumn, as well as everyone who contributes to the development of this youngest academy age group. We also thank the club and the academy for their continuous support ensuring smooth professional work. The team dedicated Saturday’s victory to Jánoska Krisztián, who celebrated his 15th birthday.

R. A.