Our U16 Elite League team earned a valuable point in the first round of the play-offs, coming back from two goals down away at Petrolul Ploiești. The hosts led 2–0 at halftime, but after the break our boys showed great heart and character to fight back and secure a draw. After the match, head coach Burus Bernát shared his thoughts.

Our U16 Elite League team earned a valuable point in the first round of the play-offs, coming back from two goals down away at Petrolul Ploiești. The hosts led 2–0 at halftime, but after the break our boys showed great heart and character to fight back and secure a draw. After the match, head coach Burus Bernát shared his thoughts.

The coach said the team had been looking forward to the start of the play-offs, as this phase always brings new motivation. – “A completely new chapter began for the boys, and although we faced a familiar opponent, this was a totally different game. We came up against a much stronger, more physically solid side, reinforced by a few players who usually play in older age categories,” explained Burus Bernát.

He admitted the start wasn’t ideal. – “We didn’t start well, lacked aggression, and entered the game too softly. Our ball possession wasn’t efficient, and when we started to settle, two avoidable mistakes brought the opponent back into the match and gave them the comfort of a 2–0 halftime lead,” said the head coach.

In the second half, however, the team completely turned things around. – “We went all in to get back into the game. We dominated the second half, took control of play, and kept the pressure on. You could feel the goal was coming. After the first one, we increased the tempo even more and managed to equalise from a deserved penalty,” detailed Burus Bernát.

In the closing stages, our team could have even taken all three points. – “In the last ten minutes we had two huge chances, but the home goalkeeper made brilliant saves. Still, the boys deserve enormous credit – they showed heart, discipline and determination. Coming back from 2–0 down away from home is never easy. At halftime we might have accepted a draw, but based on our performance we could have even won,” said the coach.

– “I want to look at the glass half full: from this situation, earning a point with such desire and attitude was only possible for these boys. This match once again proved the strength and character within this team,” concluded Burus Bernát.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál