Hungary edges Slovenia in narrow friendly win at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna

Hungary’s national football team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Slovenia in a friendly match at the Puskás Aréna on Saturday evening. The decisive goal came in the 79th minute from substitute Szabolcs Schön, who scored almost immediately after entering the pitch.

The Hungarian side controlled much of the game and created more chances, but it took until the final quarter for the breakthrough. Marco Rossi, the national team coach, gave opportunities to two newcomers, Donát Bárány and Tamás Szűcs, who made their international debuts in the match, MTI reported.

A team rebuilding after disappointment

The encounter marked Hungary’s first match since last November’s shocking 3-2 defeat to Ireland, which ended the team’s World Cup aspirations. Despite the setback, Rossi retained his role as head coach, focusing on rebuilding and integrating fresh talent.

Hungary was missing Barnabás Varga due to injury, prompting Rossi to deploy Dániel Lukács as a forward, Telex writes. In midfield, Milán Vitális of Győr earned his first start for the national team, signalling the coach’s commitment to developing new options ahead of upcoming competitions.

A moment of magic from Schön

Slovenia, who also suffered disappointing results in World Cup qualifiers, entered the friendly without key players like Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko. Nevertheless, they provided a stern test for Hungary.

The game’s only goal followed a cross from Attila Osváth that was initially blocked by defenders from Zsolt Nagy. Schön, coming off the bench, latched onto the ball and, with his first touch, fired it over the keeper and under the crossbar. This was Schön’s first goal in his tenth appearance for Hungary, and his return to the national team since 2024 could signal more opportunities ahead.

Hungary faced brief pressure late in the match, but Slovenia were unable to find an equaliser, leaving the final score at 1-0.

Eyes on Greece next

The Hungarian team will return to the Puskás Aréna on Tuesday at 19:00 to host Greece in another friendly, offering Rossi further chances to test his squad and shape the future of the national side.