After the shock defeat in Eger by Honvéd on the first meeting, it was all hence on deck for Eger in the return game in Budapest this mid-week. Without the suspended Balázs Hárai, who received a red card in the home game, Eger started strong with a few chances and a goal of fellow centre-forward Krisztián Bedő. However Honvéd was aware of the unique opportunity to shock the defending champion even more and force them out of the title picture early. They came out strong and starlet Bence Fülöp (pictured below) made it 1-1 with a fantastic shot beating Eger goalie Mitrovic in the far corner. The defensive mind set of both teams, making sure not to lose the game early, led to a strategic battle with only few goals. Balázs Erdélyi put the visitors in front again several minutes into the 2nd period but once again Fülöp kept Honvéd level. While Fülöp was taking care of the offensive part, his goalie Márton Lévai was standing strong at the other end saving plenty of Eger’s shots. As the teams took more risk in offense, naturally more action followed. Uros Cuckovic, Gergely Kiss, and Boris Vapenski exchanged goals at both ends and Balázs Erdélyi then doubled the lead for Eger to make it 3-5 just before half-time.
Afraid of conceding goals, the coaches took a more careful approach again after the break. Together with the outstanding performance of both goalkeepers, neither team managed to score in the 3rd period. In front of their home crowd Honvéd went on the chase and put Eger, who did not look convincing at all, under pressure. Veteran Barnabás Steinmetz made it 4-5 with still 4 minutes to play and the stadium erupted. Honvéd continued the pressure but could not capitalize on the momentum. Eger’s defense intercepted several crucial passes to drag the victory over the edge.
(photo by László Balogh).
Despite the victory Eger fans will be worried about their team’s performance. Not scoring a goal in the 3rd and 4th period against Honvéd is troublesome. Eger will be favorites to win the 3rd game at home nonetheless and proceed to the semi-final against OSC. However, they need to significantly improve their game because OSC will not be impressed by Eger’s recent run of games.
In the other quarter final FTC finished the contest in 2 games by defeating Szeged for a second time.
The number 4 of the regular season enforced their will on Szeged from the start and ran away to a 2-7 lead all the way into the 3rd period. Having nothing to lose, Szeged went on an all-out attack that got them back in the game. Goals of Aljosa Kunac, Lukas Seman, and Csaba Kiss made it 5-7 early in the final period and suddenly it was on again. In the end the comeback of Szeged did not pay off though and FTC managed to hold on.
Although they failed to qualify for the semi-finals, Szeged will be satisfied with their efforts. After the disastrous summer and departure of main sponsor, core players, and head coach the club was expected to play only a supporting role this season. However, in 2015 they surprised with fresh and attacking water polo that took opponents by surprise. With Krisztián Manhercz they arguably have Hungary’s greatest attacking prospect in their ranks and if they are able to keep the team together, Szeged might be back in the top 4 much sooner than expected.
FTC can now prepare for their semi-final match up with Szolnok next week. Key for the Budapest based side will be to make use of the underdog role and play without pressure as Szolnok will be expected to fulfil their part as top favourites.
(photo by vlv.hu).
Play-off round 2 results
Home
|
Visitors
|
Final Score
|
Honvéd (6)
|
Eger (3)
|
4-5
|
FTC (4)
|
8-10
| |
Kaposvár (10)
|
13-12 (after penalties)
| |
Vasas (8)
|
10-12
| |
Szentes (11)
|
8-11
| |
UVSE (13)
|
KSI (12)
|
11-9
|
3rd round on April 25th.
Top scorers
Name Player
|
Club
|
Games Played
|
Goals
|
Mátyás Pásztor
|
BVSC
|
28
|
70
|
Bence Bátori
|
OSC
|
25
|
61
|
Zsolt Varga
|
Szeged
|
28
|
60
|
Dénes Varga
|
Szolnok
|
24
|
59
|
László Weszelovszky
|
Szentes
|
28
|
59
|
League season final standings
Team
|
Games
|
Win
|
Draw
|
Loss
|
Points
|
GD
|
Szolnok
|
26
|
25
|
1
|
0
|
76
|
228
|
OSC
|
26
|
23
|
0
|
3
|
69
|
118
|
Eger
|
26
|
21
|
2
|
3
|
65
|
177
|
FTC
|
26
|
16
|
2
|
8
|
50
|
6
|
Szeged
|
26
|
16
|
1
|
9
|
49
|
14
|
Honvéd
|
26
|
15
|
2
|
9
|
47
|
34
|
BVSC
|
26
|
12
|
1
|
13
|
37
|
-20
|
Vasas
|
26
|
10
|
1
|
15
|
31
|
-27
|
DVSE
|
26
|
8
|
1
|
17
|
25
|
-99
|
Kaposvár
|
26
|
8
|
0
|
18
|
24
|
-50
|
Szentes
|
26
|
6
|
0
|
20
|
18
|
-84
|
KSI
|
26
|
5
|
2
|
19
|
17
|
-93
|
UVSE
|
26
|
5
|
2
|
19
|
17
|
-92
|
PVSK
|
26
|
4
|
1
|
21
|
13
|
-112
|
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