A bitter defeat in Jászberény; Lehel levelled the score in the final

In the second match of the final, we took to the ice in Jászberény, aiming to extend our lead in the series following our first home victory. However, we were well aware that it is always particularly difficult to play at Lehel HC’s home ground, and this time, too, that is exactly the sort of match that awaited us.

First period

We got off to a particularly good start in the match and managed to break the home side’s momentum straight away. Barely a minute had passed when, at the end of a fine, long-passing move, Barnabás Dézsi (6) finished the move successfully, putting us in the lead.

That early goal gave us a real boost, and we managed to control the game well in the first period. Although there were no further goals, you could sense that the match was far from over.

Second period

Unfortunately, the second period didn’t go as we’d hoped. The home side started the period very strongly and scored three times in quick succession, turning the match around.

It was important, however, that we didn’t fall apart. Martin Sági (9)’s fine shot got us back into the match, even though the home side responded almost immediately. Midway through the period, Márk Nagy (68) reduced the deficit to a single goal once again, and at that point the match was wide open once more.

However, in the closing stages of the half, Lehel capitalised on a one-man advantage, meaning we went into the second half trailing by two goals once again.

Third period

In the last twenty minutes, we had to go for the result, and we did everything we could to achieve it. Several red cards made things difficult for us, but even so we managed to fight our way back: Benedek Madácsi (18) scored whilst we were a man down, bringing us back to within a goal once again.

Shortly afterwards, we succeeded in weathering a two-man disadvantage, which was another crucial turning point and gave us the confidence we needed for the final push.

In the final stages of the match, we tried hard to equalise, but the home side’s defence was tight and disciplined, so we were unable to break them down.

Overview

It was a painful defeat, because there were periods when we were in with a chance of turning the match around, but we have to admit that Lehel made better use of their momentum on the night.

The tie was now level at 1–1, but we knew the final was far from over. We saw this match more as a warning: in this tie, we have to fight for every single moment.

And we also knew full well that we’d have the chance to respond at home on Sunday.

Lehel HC – UNI GYŐR ETO HC: 5–4 (0–1, 5–2, 1–1)

Goalscorers:

#6 Barnabás Dézsi

#9 Martin Sági

#68 Márk Nagy

#18 Benedek Madácsi

(UNI GYŐR ETO HC)