Budapest Honvéd U19 produced a late surge to beat MTK Budapest U19 3-2 in a five-goal Hungary U19 A League thriller on 24 October 2026. In a match that swung back and forth at the MTK academy, Honvéd recovered from conceding first and again from falling behind after the break, before a late winner settled a contest full of attacking intent and developing talent.

A fast, open contest between two academy sides

MTK Budapest U19 and Budapest Honvéd U19 are two of the more recognizable youth setups in Hungarian football, and this fixture showed why the U19 A League is such a useful stage for young players. Both sides began with positive intent, looking to play through midfield rather than simply clear their lines, and the early tempo made for an entertaining afternoon.

MTK settled quickest. The hosts pressed high in the opening quarter and forced Honvéd into several hurried clearances. Their reward came in the 18th minute when a flowing move down the right ended with Máté Varga finishing from close range. It was a goal that reflected MTK’s early control, but it also woke Honvéd up.

Honvéd respond and the game turns

The visitors gradually found their rhythm. Honvéd’s midfield began to win more second balls, and their wide players started to pin MTK’s full-backs deeper. The equalizer arrived in the 34th minute through Bence Tóth, who arrived late in the box to convert a low cross after a patient passing sequence. From that point until half-time, Honvéd looked the more likely side to score next, though MTK’s goalkeeper made a smart save to keep the score level at the break.

MTK regained the lead early in the second half. A foul inside the area gave the hosts a penalty, and Levente Horváth converted confidently in the 58th minute to make it 2-1. At that stage, MTK seemed to have the cushion they needed, but the game had plenty more to offer.

Key moments

• 18′ – MTK 1-0: Máté Varga finishes a quick right-sided attack.
• 34′ – Honvéd 1-1: Bence Tóth scores from a low cross after sustained possession.
• 58′ – MTK 2-1: Levente Horváth converts a penalty.
• 71′ – Honvéd 2-2: Dávid Kiss equalizes with a composed finish inside the box.
• 86′ – Honvéd 3-2: Áron Farkas scores the winner after a quick turnover.
• 90+3′: MTK push forward for a late equalizer, but Honvéd’s goalkeeper claims a dangerous cross.

Tactical story: Honvéd’s press pays off late

Honvéd’s 4-3-3 shape became more aggressive as the match wore on. Their midfield trio stepped higher after the hour mark, forcing MTK to play longer passes and reducing the hosts’ ability to build through the middle. The equalizer in the 71st minute came from exactly that pressure: Honvéd won the ball in a dangerous area, moved it quickly, and Dávid Kiss found space at the edge of the box before finishing low.

MTK, who had been compact in a 4-2-3-1 for much of the first half, began to tire in the final 15 minutes. Their substitutions added energy, but the change in shape left gaps between midfield and defense. Honvéd exploited one of those gaps in the 86th minute. A turnover near the halfway line released Áron Farkas, and the forward drove into the box before finishing across the goalkeeper for the winning goal.

Standout players

Bence Tóth was central to Honvéd’s comeback, combining energy with composure in the final third. Áron Farkas will take the headlines for the winner, but his movement throughout the second half constantly unsettled MTK’s back line. For MTK, Máté Varga was the brightest attacking outlet, while Levente Horváth showed maturity with a well-taken penalty under pressure.

Both goalkeepers deserve credit as well. MTK’s goalkeeper made two important first-half saves, and Honvéd’s late claim from a dangerous cross helped protect the three points in stoppage time.

What the result means

The win gives Budapest Honvéd U19 an important boost in the Hungary U19 A League standings and strengthens their push for a strong finish in the upper half of the table. For MTK Budapest U19, it is a frustrating result: they led twice at home and produced enough attacking moments to take at least a point.

Youth-league match reports are often about development as much as results, and this game offered lessons for both benches. Honvéd showed resilience and improved control after half-time. MTK showed attacking quality but will want to manage late-game moments better. The 3-2 scoreline also underlines how competitive the U19 A League can be, with academy sides capable of turning a match quickl