Ferencváros Fall Short: Qarabağ Crush Champions League Dreams in Budapest
Budapest, August 19 — Under the floodlights of a packed Groupama Aréna, Ferencváros TC’s Champions League ambitions came crashing down in a 1–3 defeat to Qarabağ FK, extinguishing hopes of reaching the group stage for the first time since 2020.
Despite a roaring home crowd of 19,675, Robbie Keane’s side couldn’t withstand the clinical precision of the Azerbaijani champions. Qarabağ struck early and often, exposing defensive frailties and silencing the Fradi faithful with a ruthless display of counter-attacking football.
A Night of Missed Chances and Costly Errors
Ferencváros opened with promise, pressing high and creating early chances, but Qarabağ’s opener in the 17th minute shifted momentum. A defensive lapse allowed the visitors to double their lead before halftime, leaving Fradi chasing shadows.
Barnabás Varga pulled one back in the second half, offering a glimmer of hope, but a third Qarabağ goal in the dying minutes sealed the fate of Hungary’s most decorated club.
Tactical Breakdown
Keane’s decision to start Naby Keïta in midfield added flair but lacked defensive cover. Daniel Arzani showed flashes of brilliance, yet the team’s cohesion faltered under pressure. Qarabağ’s compact shape and swift transitions proved too much for a Ferencváros side still finding rhythm in the early season.
What’s Next for Fradi?
With Champions League dreams dashed, Ferencváros will now shift focus to domestic dominance and potential Europa League redemption. The club’s transfer strategy and tactical identity under Keane will face renewed scrutiny as fans demand a response.
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