Will Ferencvaros extend their winning streak? Prediction for the match against resilient Torreense on October 22
On Thursday, October 22, as part of matchday three of the UEFA Europa League league phase, Hungarian side Ferencvaros will host Portuguese club Torreense at Groupama Arena in Budapest. The Hungarian giants are looking to cement their place near the top of the table and secure a spot in the play-offs, while the modest Portuguese outfit are desperately trying to remain in the knockout play-off zone.
Ferencvaros are enjoying an outstanding run in European competition and, after two matchdays, deservedly sit seventh in the league table with a maximum six points from six. Under their coaching staff, the team have produced confident, disciplined and clinical football, recording two consecutive convincing victories — first a 3:1 away win over Scottish side Celtic, followed by a 2:1 home triumph against Czech club Viktoria Plzen. The Budapest outfit are in excellent spirits and intend to make the most of home advantage to claim another three points in front of their loyal supporters.
Torreense, the biggest surprise and revelation of the current tournament as representatives of Portugal's second tier, sit 19th with three points to their name. The Portuguese club earned the respect of all of Europe in the opening round by unexpectedly defeating Norwegian side Lillestrom 2:1 away from home, but they then lost 2:1 to English club Sunderland in their second match. The visitors have shown that they can stand up to opponents of any level thanks to their high level of discipline, but an away meeting in Budapest with experienced European campaigners will be their sternest test yet.
The tactical script for the upcoming match will be built entirely around the hosts' territorial dominance, with Ferencvaros expected to take control of the ball from the opening minutes and force their opponents deep into their own half. The Hungarians will look to employ quick combination play through the middle and aggressive overlaps on the flanks, methodically stretching the visitors' well-organized low block. Torreense will respond with compact team defending, fierce challenges and a reliance on rare but dangerous counterattacks into the spaces left open. However, the Hungarians' vast European experience, the individual quality of their players and the pressure from the stands should eventually breach the visitors' defensive lines.
Prediction
I expect an entertaining, high-scoring contest with plenty of dangerous chances, end-to-end action and some fine goals. My prediction: over 2.5 goals at 1.6
