Paksi FC and Szentlorinc SE Play Out Thrilling 3-3 Draw

In an entertaining International Club Friendly held on June 24, 2026, Hungarian side Paksi FC and lower-division Szentlorinc SE shared six goals in a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Paksi Stadion. The match, which kicked off at 21:00 local time, showcased attacking football and a lack of defensive solidity that delighted the neutral fan.

First-Half Fireworks

Szentlorinc SE, playing up against a Nemzeti Bajnokság I side, started brightly and took a shock lead in the 12th minute. A long-range effort from midfielder Gergő Kocsis curled past the Paksi goalkeeper, silencing the home crowd. Paksi responded quickly, equalizing through a well-taken penalty from striker Norbert Szabó in the 28th minute after a handball in the box.

By the 40th minute, Szentlorinc had regained the lead through a counter-attack finished by winger Bence Tóth, but Paksi again found an answer just before halftime when attacking midfielder Máté Papp fired home from the edge of the area to make it 2-2 at the break.

Second-Half Drama and a Late Equalizer

The second half continued at the same frenetic pace. Paksi FC, expected to dominate, took the lead for the first time in the 67th minute when substitute Ádám Kovács turned in a cross from the right. The home fans sensed victory, but Szentlorinc showed remarkable resilience. In the 82nd minute, they mounted a swift move that resulted in striker Dániel Nagy heading home a corner to make it 3-3.

Despite late pressure from Paksi, including a near-miss in stoppage time, the score remained level. The friendly served as valuable preparation for both teams: Paksi FC sharpened their attacking combinations ahead of domestic league duties, while Szentlorinc SE, a team from the third division, proved they can compete against higher-level opposition.

Tactical Observations

Paksi FC dominated possession with over 60% but were caught out on the counter several times, exposing defensive gaps. Szentlorinc SE executed a disciplined counter-attacking plan, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the physical presence of their centre-forward. The match lacked the intensity of a competitive fixture but provided ample entertainment and fitness work.

Standout Players

• Norbert Szabó (Paksi FC) – Scored a penalty and was a constant threat in the box.
• Bence Tóth (Szentlorinc SE) – His goal and assist highlighted his quality on the break.
• Dániel Nagy (Szentlorinc SE) – The late equalizer earned his side a deserved draw.

Looking Ahead

For Paksi FC, this friendly is part of their summer preparation for the upcoming Hungarian top-flight season. The draw will give coach Tamás Szentes plenty to work on defensively, but the attacking fluency is a positive sign. Szentlorinc SE, meanwhile, will take great confidence from this performance as they gear up for their own campaign in the Nemzeti Bajnokság III. The result shows that the gap between Hungary's divisions can be bridged on any given day, especially in a friendly setting.