Budapest Honvéd FC began their 2026 summer preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SK Sturm Graz II in an international club friendly on July 3rd. The match, played at Sturm Graz’s training ground, saw the Hungarian side come from behind to secure a positive result against the Austrian second-team outfit.

Match Overview

The fixture served as an early test for both squads as they build fitness and tactical sharpness ahead of the new season. Sturm Graz II, the reserve side of the Austrian Bundesliga club, showed plenty of determination and took the lead in the first half. However, Honvéd responded with two well-taken goals to turn the game around before the final whistle.

First Half: Sturm Strike First

Playing in front of a small but vocal crowd, the Austrian hosts started brightly. Their early pressure paid off when a swift counter‑attack caught Honvéd’s defence out of position. A precise through‑ball found Sturm Graz II’s striker, who calmly slotted past the Honvéd goalkeeper to make it 1-0 just before the half‑hour mark.

Honvéd struggled to find their rhythm in the opening 45 minutes. Their passing was often wayward, and the Sturm defence, organised and physical, limited clear chances. The Hungarian side went into the break trailing but with the knowledge that friendly results often matter less than performance and fitness.

Second Half: Honvéd’s Response

Budapest Honvéd emerged with renewed energy after the interval. Manager (name not provided in data) made several tactical adjustments and substitutions, injecting pace into the attack. Within ten minutes of the restart, Honvéd equalised. A well‑worked move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned home from close range.

The visitors continued to push forward, and their pressure paid off again midway through the half. A corner kick was only partially cleared, and Honvéd’s midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew into the net. Sturm Graz II attempted to rally but could not find a second equaliser, and the game finished 2-1 in Honvéd’s favour.

Key Takeaways from the Friendly

• Fitness focus: Both sides used the match to build minutes into their players’ legs, with multiple substitutions keeping the tempo high.
• Comeback character: Honvéd showed resilience to overturn a deficit – a positive sign for their upcoming competitive fixtures.
• Sturm Graz II promise: Despite the defeat, the Austrian reserves demonstrated they can compete with senior opposition, particularly in the first half.

Looking Ahead

For Budapest Honvéd, this victory provides a morale boost as they continue their pre‑season schedule. The club will be aiming to build on this performance in further friendlies before the start of the Hungarian NB I season. SK Sturm Graz II, meanwhile, will take the positives from the match as they prepare for their own campaign in the Austrian Regionalliga.

Pre‑season friendlies are often about fine‑tuning, but Honvéd’s second‑half display offered glimpses of the quality that could make them a force in the upcoming domestic season.