The match against Honvéd was another opportunity to adopt and implement the coach’s demands and ideas on the pitch.
Our third pre-season test ahead of the new campaign is now behind us. Our opponents came from neighbouring Hungary, as Budapest Honvéd recently returned to the country’s top division. It was also a great opportunity for our supporters to watch the White-Blues in action and cheer them on in a friendly that proved to be another useful test for Bessone’s team. Considering that our players are currently going through a very intensive training period, there are more and more signs of positive things in our play, as well as the adoption of certain automatisms on the pitch. Although the weather was humid, the tempo and intensity of the match highlighted, above all, the team’s good approach, commitment and energy, along with a clear desire to compete and play in a recognisable style.
The start to the match was virtually perfect. After just over a minute, Jelenić sent a long and accurate pass from midfield towards Omerović, who drove forward from the left towards the penalty area before firing a precise shot from just outside the box. His low effort found the bottom-left corner to make it 1-0. The applause at Opus Arena was a fitting reward for such a fine opening to the match. Malenica then reacted well to deny Alić’s attempt. We did not have to wait long for our next chance, with Jurišić coming close to finding the net with an effort from inside the penalty area. At the other end, T. Somogyi had an opportunity, but our captain between the posts remained composed and dealt with the situation well.
In the 29th minute, Dolček scored a brilliant goal to make it 2-0. From around 20 metres, he fired an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top-right corner. The fans applauded a piece of skill that always attracts football lovers to the stands. Shortly afterwards, our goalkeeper produced another excellent save to stop Alić’s run.
The second half began with a chance for Bukvić, while Vrbančić put the visiting goalkeeper under even greater pressure. At the other end, Szamosi took advantage of his opportunity in the 63rd minute to reduce the deficit. The visitors managed to block Kalem’s effort, while Honvéd striker Kovacs sent his shot over the crossbar. In the closing stages, Balelo had the chance to score on a quick counter-attack, but opted for an unselfish pass instead. The score remained unchanged, with the match finishing 2-1.
This friendly was another step in the ongoing process of building the team’s style of play and mentality. Every player showed a clear desire to make the most of his minutes on the pitch. The players continue to put the coach’s ideas into practice as effectively as possible, while their approach on the field is another encouraging sign and provides solid foundations for the final phase of pre-season. All these positive details, noticed by the supporters as well, give us confidence and optimism ahead of the official start of the new season.
Finally, the following players featured in the match: Malenica, Mustafić (Posavec), Kolarik (Ljubojević), Jelenić (Vrbanac), Jurišić (Kalem), Vrbančić (Petrusenko), Mikolčić (Bakti), Farkaš (Jovičić), Dolček (Bukvić), Omerović (Ljatifi) and Leon (Barić, Balelo).
