Ferencváros take a narrow advantage into Thursday’s second leg against Vojvodina as the two sides battle for a place in the next round of Europa League qualifying.

The Hungarian side left Novi Sad with a valuable 2-1 victory last week and now return to Groupama Arena knowing that another strong European performance on home soil would secure a meeting with Dutch side FC Twente in the second qualifying round.

For Vojvodina, meanwhile, the equation is straightforward. The Serbian side must win in Budapest if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive.

Ferencváros looking to build momentum under new management

The first leg represented an encouraging beginning to a new era in Budapest. Kristoffer Zachariassen handed Ferencváros an early lead before an unfortunate own goal from Toon Raemaekers briefly restored parity for the hosts. Ultimately, former Vojvodina forward Dele Yusuf proved decisive, returning to haunt his old club with a late winner that may yet define the tie.

The result offered an ideal start for new head coach Balázs Borbély, who arrives with considerable expectations after guiding Győr to an unexpected Hungarian title before making the move to the country’s biggest club.

Replacing Robbie Keane was never going to be straightforward. The former Republic of Ireland striker oversaw another deep European run and came agonisingly close to retaining the Hungarian championship before Ferencváros were edged out by a single point, ending their remarkable run of seven consecutive league titles.

European nights in Budapest have become something of a speciality in recent years, however. Ferencváros remained unbeaten at home throughout last season’s Europa League campaign and will expect Groupama Arena to once again provide a significant advantage.

There are still some selection concerns for Borbély to manage. Daniel Arzani remains a doubt, while Franko Kovacevic, Gábor Szalai and Habib Maïga were all omitted from the UEFA squad list.

Yusuf is expected to lead the attack once again after his winning goal in Serbia, supported by an experienced midfield featuring Naby Keïta and Marius Corbu.

Vojvodina chasing another European upset

Despite the first-leg defeat, Vojvodina remain firmly in contention. Miroslav Tanjga’s side showed enough quality in Novi Sad to suggest they are capable of troubling Ferencváros once again, particularly if they can improve their efficiency in front of goal.

The Serbian club enjoyed an excellent domestic campaign last season, finishing runners-up behind perennial champions Red Star Belgrade and narrowly missing out on silverware in the Serbian Cup final.

That progress has restored optimism around a club with significant European history. Vojvodina reached the European Cup quarter-finals in 1967 and continue to harbour ambitions of returning to continental relevance.

The task in Budapest is difficult but far from impossible. Bosnian striker Nardin Mulahusejnovic remains the visitors’ primary attacking weapon after an impressive Conference League campaign with FC Noah last season, while captain Dejan Sukić will again be central to their hopes of controlling midfield.

Defensively, Tanjga may consider changes after the first leg, with his son Siniša Tanjga among those pushing for a recall to the starting lineup. Even if the comeback falls short, European football will continue through the Conference League route, but Vojvodina would much rather remain in UEFA’s second-tier competition for at least another round.

Verdict

Ferencváros did exactly what was required in Serbia. Returning home with an advantage changes the complexion of the tie entirely and allows Borbély’s side to approach proceedings with patience rather than urgency.

Vojvodina have enough attacking quality to make the evening uncomfortable for the hosts, particularly if they can strike first, but chasing the game in Budapest inevitably creates spaces that Ferencváros are well equipped to exploit.

With home advantage, greater European experience and the confidence of last week’s victory, the Hungarian side remain firmly in control of their own destiny.

Tip

Ferencváros to qualify

The first leg demonstrated that Vojvodina are capable of competing with the Hungarian champions, but Ferencváros have made Groupama Arena a difficult destination for visiting sides in Europe and should have enough quality to complete the job and book a meeting with FC Twente.