Amazing victory! Ferencváros turns game around in Salzburg
Hungarian champions Ferencváros pulled off a stunning comeback in Austria on Thursday night, defeating Red Bull Salzburg 3–2 after trailing at half-time in their Europa League group-stage clash.
The victory leaves manager Robbie Keane’s side unbeaten after three matches, sitting on seven points and in a strong position to progress to the knockout stage, writes 24.hu.
Unprecedented events occured before the game
The game itself, however, was overshadowed by a pre-game controversy involving Ferencváros supporters. Just hours before kick-off, Austrian authorities refused entry to a special fan train carrying hundreds of Hungarian fans bound for Salzburg. After a five-hour ordeal at the border, the train was forced to return to Budapest, leaving around 500 supporters unable to attend the game.
Despite the setback, more than a thousand travelling fans still made it to the stadium to back their team. In response to the incident, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó summoned the Austrian ambassador, while the club announced it would pursue legal action. Several Ferencváros players sent video messages to their fans, promising to “fight for them on the pitch” — and they did just that.
Ferencváros didn’t falter and secured victory
Salzburg struck first in the opening half, taking the lead somewhat against the run of play. Ferencváros had the chance to equalise before the break, but Barnabás Varga missed a penalty and failed to convert the rebound.
After the restart, the Hungarian champions produced a blistering spell that turned the game on its head. Within just eight minutes, Varga, Kristoffer Zachariassen, and Yusuf Bamidele all found the net, putting Ferencváros 3–1 up. Although Salzburg pulled one back and created several chances late on, the visitors held firm to secure all three points.
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Unbeaten, and in the top 10
The result continues a solid Europa League campaign for Ferencváros, who began with a home draw against Viktoria Plzeň and an away win at Genk. The Hungarian side remain unbeaten and well-placed in their group. In contrast, Salzburg’s struggles continue — the Austrians are still winless, goalless, and under increasing pressure.
Under Robbie Keane’s guidance, Ferencváros have now won five of their last ten matches in all competitions, drawing four and losing just once. The Irish manager praised his team’s resilience and second-half response, calling it “a performance full of character.” Ferencváros will next host Ludogorets in Budapest in two weeks’ time, as they look to take another step towards the Europa League knockout stages.