Turkey’s Late Double Secures Victory Over Hungary in Nations League Playoff First Leg

Turkey secured a 3-1 victory over Hungary in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League (UNL) playoff, scoring two late goals to end a streak of three consecutive defeats against their rivals.

Looking to rectify their failure to achieve automatic promotion to League A during the group stage, Turkey made a bright start, although they were denied an early penalty when Kenan Yildiz went down following a strong challenge from Bendeguz Bolla.

Undeterred, the Crescent Stars maintained their attacking intent and took the lead in the ninth minute, with Orkun Kokcu receiving a pass from Oguz Aydin and curling a stunning shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Hungary sought an immediate reply, coming close as Zsolt Nagy and Milos Kerkez both attempted ambitious shots that required a save from Ugurcan Cakir.

The visitors kept the pressure on and finally ended their 10-match drought without a goal in the first 30 minutes when Andras Schafer volleyed home after a knockdown from Barnabas Varga inside the area.

In the first half’s closing moments, both sides fashioned chances: Varga headed just wide from close range for Hungary, while Aydin nearly caught Denes Dibusz out with a lob that ended up hitting the roof of the net.

The second half saw a more subdued style from both teams, although Hungary appeared more likely to score, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s deflected shot being saved by Cakir.

After weathering some early pressure, Turkey came back to life dramatically, scoring twice in a span of four minutes.

They regained their lead when Aydin darted down the right and delivered a cross for Kerem Akturkoglu, who headed in his fifth goal in six UNL appearances.

Irfan Can Kahveci then added a crucial third goal following a lay-off from Akturkoglu, striking a powerful shot into the bottom corner and putting the first leg out of reach for the visitors.

With the match finely poised entering the final 20 minutes, Akturkoglu’s late heroics ensured Turkey’s victory and extended their unbeaten streak at home to seven matches.

Hungary now faces a challenging task in the second leg at Puskas Aréna on Thursday, having suffered consecutive away defeats in competitive fixtures for the first time since November 2019.