In a game defined by moments of brilliance and tenacity, Nyiregyhaza Spartacus snapped a decade-long home drought against Zalaegerszegi TE with a stirring 3-1 victory at Városi Stadion, sending a clear message to the NB I field that they intend to be more than just survivors this season.

The early exchanges saw Zalaegerszegi TE impose themselves physically, with an aggressive midfield press and an early yellow card to S. Bitca in the 22nd minute signaling their intent. Nyiregyhaza, however, absorbed the pressure, with M. Majer’s discipline anchoring their defense. Against the run of play, Zalaegerszegi TE broke through in the 37th minute — Daniel Lima finishing a slick passing move orchestrated by Bitca, who carved open the Nyiregyhaza back line and put the visitors ahead.

Tempers flared immediately after the opener, with Lima and Nyiregyhaza’s S. Evangelou each picking up cautions as the game’s intensity ratcheted up. But the landscape shifted decisively after the break. Nyiregyhaza introduced D. Babunski at halftime, and the injection of fresh legs paid off instantly. Within two minutes of the restart, B. Katona drew the hosts level after finding space in the box, capitalizing on Zalaegerszegi’s momentary disorganization.

The equalizer spurred the home crowd and transformed the tempo of play. Both sides traded chances, with Zalaegerszegi TE turning to a triple substitution at the 65-minute mark in a bid to regain control. Yet Nyiregyhaza’s resilience held firm. In the 79th minute, B. Benczenleitner etched his name onto the scoresheet, nodding home from a pinpoint M. Kovacsreti cross to give the Spartacus the lead. The momentum was theirs, and they pressed the advantage ruthlessly.

The dagger blow arrived in the 85th minute, courtesy of M. Kovacs, whose late run into the box met another Kovacsreti delivery, sealing the match and bringing the stands to their feet. With Zalaegerszegi unable to muster a response, Nyiregyhaza managed the closing stages confidently, earning bookings for their midfield while absorbing late pressure.

Key moments punctuated the contest: six yellow cards underscored the ferocity of the encounter, and tactical adjustments — notably the Babunski substitution — proved decisive. The result marks Nyiregyhaza’s first home league win against Zalaegerszegi TE since 2014, ending a run of frustration and lifting the club’s spirits.

For Nyiregyhaza, this win is more than three points; it’s a turning point, signaling upward momentum while exposing vulnerabilities in Zalaegerszegi’s defensive coordination. The NB I table now looks a shade brighter for Spartacus, while Zalaegerszegi must regroup ahead of a critical stretch in the autumn campaign.

Fans and analysts alike will be dissecting this match for weeks, especially the second-half turnaround and the sharp finishing of Katona and Benczenleitner. This was a statement victory — and one that could redefine the ambitions of both clubs as the season unfolds.