Türkiye secured promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League for the first time in their history, defeating Hungary 3-0 in the second leg of their playoff tie to complete a 6-1 aggregate victory. The result ends Hungary’s two-term stay in League A, and is Hungary’s first loss at home since 2006.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Türkiye weathered early pressure from the hosts. Barnabas Varga missed a chance for Hungary within the first four minutes, guiding a shot wide from inside the six-yard box. Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir then produced a splendid save to deny Daniel Gazdag, blocking with an outstretched left hand. Dominik Szoboszlai also brushed the bar for Hungary with freekick.
Vincenzo Montella’s side wrestled control of the match and took the lead on the night through a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty. The spot-kick was awarded for a reckless challenge by Attila Fiola on Ismail Yuksek.
Minutes later, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler doubled Türkiye’s lead, stroking home from close range after being set up by Oguz Aydin.
Captain, Calhanoglu almost scored, his thumping drive saved.
Hungary, facing a four-goal aggregate deficit, rarely threatened the Turkish goal in the second half. Loic Nego had a sweet volley expertly saved, but the home side, despite dominating possession, lacked a cutting edge. Kevin Csoboth, sent through on goal, hesitated and wasted a clear opportunity.
Türkiye added a third goal in the 90th minute. Abdulkerim Bardakcibaris stooped to head home Barıs Alper Yılmaz’s deep cross at the back post, completing a comprehensive victory.
The result extends Hungary’s winless run to four games, their longest such streak since 2021. Türkiye, meanwhile, celebrate back-to-back promotions in the Nations League, achieving their fifth win in their last seven outings. The match highlighted Türkiye’s clinical finishing and ability to withstand early pressure, while Hungary’s attacking struggles and defensive lapses proved costly.
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