Turkey clinches Nations League A promotion with commanding aggregate victory over Hungary

Two quick goals within just three minutes propelled Turkey into the top division of the UEFA Nations League for the very first time in their history. Their emphatic 3-0 triumph on the night secured a 6-1 aggregate win over Hungary, marking the first time since 2006 that Hungary has suffered a home defeat to their opponents.

With a 3-1 lead from the first leg, the Turkish team faced an early onslaught from the hosts. Barnabas Varga had a golden chance to give Hungary the lead within the first four minutes, but he misfired from close range, sending his shot wide of the target.

Shortly thereafter, Ugurcan Cakır made an exceptional save to deny Daniel Gazdag, with the goalkeeper sprinting off his line to reduce the angle before thwarting the effort with his left hand.

Dominik Szoboszlai came close to scoring with a powerful free-kick that struck the crossbar, but it was Vincenzo Montella’s side that seized the initiative, delivering a devastating blow when Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Attila Fiola’s reckless challenge on Ismail Yuksek.

Just minutes later, the scoreline read 2-0 as Real Madrid’s Arda Guler calmly slotted the ball home from close range, set up beautifully by Oguz Aydın.

Struggling with a four-goal deficit, the Hungarian side faced an uphill battle, and their spirit diminished as the Turkish fans began to revel in the occasion. Calhanoglu, leading his team, nearly added another with a powerful strike from distance that was saved.

At the other end, Loic Nego’s beautifully struck volley was expertly parried away, yet Hungary saw little more of the ball in terms of danger for the remainder of the match. Despite having possession, they failed to create significant opportunities.

Even when in attacking positions, the Hungarian forwards were unconvincing, exemplified by Kevin Csoboth, who hesitated on the ball when presented with a clear chance on goal.

Hungary did not test Cakır again in the final half-hour, ultimately succumbing to a third goal in the 90th minute as Abdulkerim Bardakcı headed in a deep cross from Barıs Alper Yılmaz at the back post.

Consequently, Hungary’s dismal run continues with four matches without a victory, their first such spell since 2021, and they bid farewell to the top tier of the Nations League. In contrast, Turkey have celebrated consecutive promotions in the competition, achieving five victories in their last seven appearances.