Zalaegerszegi TE 1–0 FK Epitsentr Dunayivtsi | International Club Friendly

Zalaegerszegi TE edged out Ukrainian side FK Epitsentr Dunayivtsi 1–0 in a closely fought pre-season friendly at the ZTE Arena on a warm Thursday evening. The result gave the Hungarian NB I side a morale-boosting win as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming domestic campaign.

Match Overview

With both teams using the fixture to build match fitness, the first half was cagey and produced few clear-cut chances. Zalaegerszegi TE controlled possession but struggled to break down a well-organised Epitsentr defence. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when home midfielder Bence Tóth latched onto a loose ball inside the box and fired low into the corner. Epitsentr pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes but were unable to find a way past the ZTE backline.

Key Moments

• 24′ Chance – ZTE: Striker Márkó Tufta header from a corner was tipped over by the Epitsentr keeper.
• 58′ Goal – ZTE: Tóth’s powerful finish after a scramble from a free-kick.
• 82′ Save – ZTE: Goalkeeper Gergő Szecska denied Epitsentr’s Andriy Shevchenko (not that one) from close range.

Tactical Notes

Zalaegerszegi TE lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with new signings integrating into the squad. They emphasised quick passing in midfield but were occasionally vulnerable to counter-attacks. Epitsentr, playing their first friendly of the summer, showed solid defensive organisation but lacked sharpness in the final third. The match served its purpose for both sides, offering valuable minutes for squad players and returning injured athletes.

Standout Players

• Bence Tóth (ZTE): The match-winner with a clinical finish and energetic display.
• Gergő Szecska (ZTE): Made one excellent late save to preserve the clean sheet.
• Volodymyr Petrov (Epitsentr): Central defender who made several important interceptions.

Friendly Context

Zalaegerszegi TE are using a series of friendlies to prepare for the 2026–27 NB I season, with this being their third pre-season outing. Head coach Gábor Boér will be encouraged by his side’s defensive solidity and growing chemistry. FK Epitsentr Dunayivtsi, competing in the Ukrainian First League, continue their own pre-season programme ahead of their domestic campaign starting in August. The result ends ZTE’s two-match winless run in friendlies, while Epitsentr remain without a win in pre-season so far.