(March 23, 2025) Hungary–Türkiye Match

The Hungary-Türkiye match was the second leg of the UEFA Nations League A/B League playoff, played on 23 March 2025 in Budapest. With the victory in this match, Türkiye ascended to League A of the UEFA Nations League for the first time in the competition’s history.

Hungary-Türkiye match, 23 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

Organization and Scope

The match formed the second leg of the two-legged playoff designed to determine promotion and relegation between League A and League B of the UEFA Nations League, organized by UEFA. Türkiye won the first leg 3-1 in Istanbul, securing their promotion to League A.

Venue and Date

The match took place on 23 March 2025 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The stadium, with a capacity of 67,000 spectators, kicked off at 20:00 Türkiye time.

Referees

The match was officiated by Felix Zwayer of the German Football Association. His assistants were Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz, also from Germany, while Florian Badstübner served as the fourth official.

Squads

Türkiye (Head Coach: Vincenzo Montella)

Uğurcan Çakır – Mert Müldür, Samet Akaydin, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı – Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek – Oğuz Aydın, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız – Kerem Aktürkoğlu

Among the substitutes, Yusuf Akçiçek (Türkiye) made his debut in the senior national team jersey.

Hungary (Head Coach: Marco Rossi)

Dibusz – Fiola, Orban, Marton Dardai, Bolla – Bence Dardai, Szoboszlai, Gazdag – Varga, Csoboth, Kerkez

Match Progression

First Half

In the early minutes of the match, Hungary created several attacking opportunities. Szoboszlai’s set pieces and Gazdag’s movements into the central area drew attention. In the 36th minute, İsmail Yüksek, following a pass from Kerem Aktürkoğlu, entered the penalty area and was brought down by Fiola, prompting the referee to award a penalty. In the 37th minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted the penalty, sending the ball into the net. In the 39th minute, Arda Güler capitalized on a cross from Oğuz Aydın into the penalty area and scored to double Türkiye’s lead.

Second Half

Hungary launched attacking efforts in the 53rd and 57th minutes, but Türkiye’s goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made crucial saves to prevent the ball from entering the net. In the 90th minute, following a pass from Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Barış Alper Yılmaz moved into the penalty area from the left flank and delivered a cross into the six-yard box; Abdülkerim Bardakcı headed the ball into the net.

Hungary-Türkiye match, 23 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

Statistical Data

• With this match, the Türkiye national football team played its 639th international match.
• This was Hungary’s first away win against Türkiye in 19 years. Their previous away victory came in a European Championship qualifier in 2006.
• This was Türkiye’s 19th match against Hungary. In these encounters, Türkiye has won six matches.
• This match marked Türkiye’s 250th victory in the history of the national team.