Szeged 2011 FC 1-3 Újpest FC — Újpest FC avoided a Hungarian Cup upset by coming from behind to beat Szeged 2011 FC 3-1 on 30 October 2026, advancing to the next round of the Magyar Kupa after a professional second-half display.

Szeged 2011 FC, playing at home against higher-ranked opposition, made the perfect start and briefly dreamed of a major cup shock. But Újpest’s superior squad depth and composure told in the end, with the top-flight side scoring three unanswered goals after falling behind early.

Match overview

The hosts took a surprise lead in the 12th minute when Bence Kovács latched onto a long ball over the Újpest defence and finished with composure. The goal lifted Szeged and their supporters, and for much of the first half they defended with discipline, limiting Újpest to efforts from distance.

Újpest equalised in the 34th minute through Máté Kiss, who headed home from a corner to settle his side’s nerves before half-time. The away team emerged with greater intensity after the break, moving the ball faster and committing more bodies into the box. Norbert Balogh put Újpest ahead in the 58th minute, finishing from close range after a cutback from the right, and he added his second in the 81st minute with a composed finish on the counter-attack.

Szeged pushed late in search of a route back into the tie, but the closest they came was a shot that struck the post in the 88th minute. Újpest managed the closing stages calmly and secured their place in the next round.

Key moments

• 12th minute – Szeged take the lead: Bence Kovács beat the Újpest defence to a long pass and finished low into the net.
• 34th minute – Újpest equalise: Máté Kiss rose highest at a corner and headed the ball home to make it 1-1.
• 52nd minute – Szeged threaten again: The Szeged goalkeeper’s opposite number produced a fine save to deny a close-range header.
• 58th minute – Újpest go ahead: Norbert Balogh converted a cutback from the right side to put the visitors 1-2 in front.
• 81st minute – Újpest seal it: Balogh raced clear on the counter and finished calmly for his second goal of the night.
• 88th minute – Szeged hit the post: A late effort from outside the box beat the goalkeeper but bounced away off the upright.

Tactical story

Szeged’s approach was clear from the opening whistle: defend in a compact block, press selectively and attack quickly through direct passes. It worked well in the early stages and gave them a shock lead. However, maintaining that level of intensity against a team with Újpest’s technical quality proved difficult.

Újpest initially struggled to find rhythm in central areas, but their adjustment to play more through the flanks opened up space. The introduction of extra width in the second half stretched Szeged’s back line, and the visitors’ ability to sustain attacks eventually wore down the hosts. Újpest’s set-piece equaliser was also significant, arriving at a moment when Szeged were beginning to tire.

Standout players

Norbert Balogh was the match-winner for Újpest, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligent movement. Máté Kiss delivered an important equaliser and controlled the midfield tempo, while the Újpest goalkeeper made a crucial save at 1-1 to prevent Szeged from restoring their lead. For Szeged, Bence Kovács took his goal expertly and the goalkeeper kept the tie alive with several saves before Újpest’s late third.

What the result means

For Újpest FC, the result is a reminder of the importance of patience in knockout football. A difficult away tie could have become a banana skin, but the second-half response showed the professionalism required to progress in the Magyar Kupa. The win also gives the squad confidence ahead of their league commitments.

For Szeged 2011 FC, the cup run ends, but the performance offered encouragement. They troubled higher-level opposition for long periods and can take belief from the way they competed. Their focus now shifts back to league form, where consistency will be key over the coming weeks.