Ferencvaros edge Twente as Gornik watch Europa League path

Ferencvaros moved into a strong position in their tie with Twente after a 2-1 first-leg win, a result that matters not only in their own European campaign but also for Gornik Zabrze. If the Polish side are eliminated by Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying, they will drop into the Europa League qualifiers, where the winner of Twente versus Ferencvaros would be waiting.

Fast start from Twente, but Ferencvaros struck first

The home side began with intent and threatened as early as the third minute when Wout Weghorst went close, only for a Ferencvaros defender to clear off the line. Twente’s early pressure, however, did not bring the opening goal.

Instead, Ferencvaros grew into the game and made their spell count in the 17th minute. Kristoffer Zachariassen supplied the pass and Lenny Joseph finished the move impressively to put the visitors ahead.

Twente responded quickly and pushed for an equaliser. Sondre Orjasaeter went close in the 23rd minute, firing just wide of the left post, before eventually finding the net in the 38th minute to make it 1-1. That goal ensured the sides went into the break level after an open first half.

Joseph and Dibusz prove decisive

Ferencvaros looked the sharper team at the start of the second half. Joseph had a chance to restore the lead in the 50th minute but headed wide of the right post. Twente then created a strong opening of their own five minutes later, only for Denes Dibusz to deny Orjasaeter.

The game continued at a high tempo. In the 59th minute, Joseph failed to convert after good work from Cadu, while Orjasaeter remained Twente’s main attacking threat. Two minutes later, Dibusz produced another important save to keep out the Norwegian, underlining his importance as the visitors came under pressure.

Twente’s attacking play became increasingly dangerous, and Thomas van den Belt also had an opportunity during a promising move. But Ferencvaros stayed in the contest thanks in large part to their goalkeeper.

Late winner shifts the tie before return leg

The final quarter of the match belonged to the Hungarian side. In the 80th minute, Callum O'Dowda provided the pass and Joseph struck again to give Ferencvaros the lead for a second time on the night.

Twente were unable to find a reply before the end, leaving Ferencvaros with a 2-1 victory and an advantage ahead of the return leg.

Why it matters for Gornik Zabrze

Gornik are still involved in Champions League qualifying, though they lost the first match away to Fenerbahce 0-1. Should they fail to overturn that tie and exit the competition, their next step would be the Europa League qualifiers.

That is why the meeting between Twente and Ferencvaros is being followed closely in Zabrze. The second leg between Ferencvaros and Twente is scheduled for Thursday, 30 July at 20:30, with the Hungarian side at home.