Pešić's 94th-minute header rescues Ferencváros TC in dramatic 1-1 draw with Viktoria Plzeň
When Aleksandar Pešić rose above the defense in the 94th minute to head home the equalizer, the 16,117 fans at Groupama Aréna erupted—not in celebration of victory, but in disbelief that their team had clawed back from the brink. Just seconds earlier, Viktoria Plzeň had been seconds away from a rare away win in the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026Budapest, a result that would’ve lifted them into the top six. Instead, the Czech side walked away with a single point, and Ferencváros TC clung to survival in a brutal, expanded league phase. The drama wasn’t just late—it was brutal, tactical, and utterly human.
A Tactical Masterclass Turned Nightmare
It started with a moment of brilliance from Rafiu Durosinmi. In the 16th minute, the Nigerian winger cut inside from the left, shrugged off a clumsy challenge, and fired a right-footed rocket into the top-left corner. The goal stunned the home crowd. Viktoria Plzeň had been the more composed side, controlling tempo, pressing high, and exploiting the space behind Ferencváros’s full-backs. But then, at the 37th minute, everything changed.
C. Makreckis, Ferencváros’s defensive midfielder, received a straight red for a late, studs-up challenge on Merchas Doski. The decision was controversial but not unjust. The Hungarian side, already struggling to maintain shape, suddenly had to defend for 53 minutes with ten men. Their midfield collapsed. Their pressing vanished. Their attacking threat became a distant memory.
Survival Mode and the Ghost of a Win
For over an hour, Viktoria Plzeň looked like they’d cruise to victory. Martin Jedlicka, their goalkeeper, made two crucial saves—one denying Barnabás Varga with a fingertip punch, another blocking Amar Memic’s curler that nearly snuck in. The visitors weren’t dominating possession (just 48%), but they were efficient. They didn’t need to. Ferencváros, reduced to counter-attacks and long balls, barely threatened. Their best chance came from Callum O’Dowda, whose left-footed strike from 25 yards was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. The scoreboard read 1-0. The clock ticked past 85. The Czech bench stood, arms crossed, ready to celebrate.
Then came the 94th minute.
A corner from the right. Gabi Kanichowsky delivered it with precision—low, curling, just over the six-yard line. Pešić, the 34-year-old Serbian striker who’s been the heartbeat of Ferencváros for years, timed his jump perfectly. He didn’t need power. Just placement. The header kissed the crossbar, then dropped into the top-right net. The stadium exploded. The away end went silent. Viktoria Plzeň had lost the win they’d held for 78 minutes.
Why This Draw Matters More Than It Seems
This wasn’t just a point. It was a lifeline. Before kickoff, both teams sat at four points in the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 standings—Ferencváros TC in 11th, Viktoria Plzeň in 8th. A win for Plzeň would’ve pushed them into the top five, all but guaranteeing a knockout berth. A draw? It kept them in the fight, but it also exposed fragility.
The new 36-team league phase, replacing the old group stage, is merciless. Every point is gold. Every red card is a crisis. Every late goal changes trajectories. Plzeň had already beaten Malmö FF 3-0 at home just a week later. They’d drawn 0-0 with Fenerbahçe. But this match? This was the one that could’ve defined their campaign. Now, it’s a cautionary tale.
For Ferencváros, it’s a miracle. They’ve lost three of their last five domestic games. Their squad depth is thin. Their coach, Csaba Mészáros, has been under fire. Yet here they are—still in the hunt, still breathing, still clinging to hope. The red card was supposed to be their death knell. Instead, it became their rallying cry.
What Comes Next? The Ripple Effect
Viktoria Plzeň’s schedule didn’t get easier. After the draw in Budapest, they hosted Fenerbahçe, then SC Freiburg, and finished with an away trip to Panathinaikos. They ended the league phase in 10th place—just one point shy of the top eight. That single point they dropped in Budapest? It might’ve cost them European football beyond January.
Meanwhile, Ferencváros climbed to 9th after the draw. They went on to beat SC Freiburg 2-1 in Budapest and held Fenerbahçe to a 1-1 stalemate. They didn’t qualify for the knockout round—but they didn’t collapse either. And that, in this new format, is a victory.
The UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 was designed to be unpredictable. This match? It was its soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the red card impact Ferencváros TC’s chances?
C. Makreckis’s red card in the 37th minute forced Ferencváros TC to play with ten men for over 50 minutes, drastically reducing their midfield control and attacking options. They shifted to a deep, defensive block, relying almost entirely on set pieces and counters. Without that red card, they likely would’ve controlled more of the game—and might’ve won. The fact they still earned a point is a testament to their resilience.
Why was Aleksandar Pešić’s goal so significant?
Pešić’s 94th-minute header wasn’t just a late equalizer—it was the first goal Ferencváros had scored in the final 15 minutes of any Europa League match since 2023. It prevented what would’ve been Viktoria Plzeň’s first away win in 11 attempts and kept Ferencváros in contention for a top-10 finish. For the 34-year-old veteran, it was his sixth European goal in 12 appearances this season—proving he’s still a big-game player.
How does the new UEFA Europa League format affect teams like Ferencváros and Plzeň?
The 2025/2026 format eliminated the group stage, replacing it with a single 36-team league phase. Every match matters—no more "easy" games. Teams like Ferencváros and Plzeň, who lack the financial muscle of top clubs, must now win every home game and snatch points away. One draw like this can mean the difference between qualifying for the knockout round or being eliminated before Christmas.
What role did the Groupama Aréna play in the match’s outcome?
The 16,117 fans at Groupama Aréna created an intense, hostile atmosphere that rattled Plzeň in the final minutes. The pitch, known for its tight dimensions and fast surface, favored Ferencváros’s short-passing style—even with ten men. The noise level peaked during the corner that led to Pešić’s goal, potentially disrupting Plzeň’s defensive organization. Home advantage, though diminished by the red card, still mattered.
How did Viktoria Plzeň’s performance compare to their other Europa League matches?
Plzeň’s performance in Budapest was among their most disciplined of the campaign. They outshot Ferencváros 14-8, created six clear chances, and held firm defensively until the final seconds. Their only other loss in the league phase came against AS Roma. But their inability to close out this match—despite having a numerical advantage for most of the game—revealed a mental fragility that cost them in the final standings.
Who were the key players beyond the goalscorers?
Beyond Pešić and Durosinmi, Gabi Kanichowsky was instrumental for Ferencváros, delivering two crucial corners and winning 7 of 9 duels. For Plzeň, goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka made five saves, including two that kept them ahead. Merchas Doski, who assisted Durosinmi’s goal, was the engine of their midfield, completing 92% of his passes. Both teams’ captains, Bence Ötvös and Tomas Holes, led by example despite the pressure.
