III. Kerületi TUE Topples League Leaders Gyulai Termál in Spirited Comeback at Hévízi úti Stadion

On a brisk afternoon in Budapest, the script of the NB III Southeast season was given a dramatic rewrite at Hévízi úti Stadion. III. Kerületi TUE, laboring in the lower half of the table for much of the campaign, delivered a rousing 2-1 victory over the previously imperious Gyulai Termál—a result that reverberates well beyond mere numbers on the league ledger.

The visitors arrived with a formidable record, their ascension to first place built on a foundation of nine wins in eleven outings and a goal differential that left little doubt of their attacking intent. By contrast, Kerületi TUE, sixth in the standings and seeking consistency amidst a mixed run of form, looked to seize a rare opportunity to upset the established order.

First Half: Gyulai Termál’s Discipline Yields Reward

The opening forty minutes showcased a familiar rhythm: Gyulai Termál dictating tempo, probing for vulnerability, Kerületi TUE disciplined in their defensive posture. With the half ebbing toward a stalemate, Gyulai Termál found their breakthrough. In the 42nd minute, an incisive sequence split the Kerület defenders before an unknown Termál forward slipped the ball home from close range—a clinical finish that punctuated their first-half dominance.

Second Half: Kerületi TUE’s Spirit Rises

Whatever words were exchanged in the Kerületi TUE dressing room at halftime carried into the restart. The home side returned with intent—pressing higher, forcing errors, and gradually tilting the field in their favor. After several threatening forays, the equalizer arrived in the 73rd minute, conjured by a burst of energy and opportunism. An unnamed Kerületi attacker latched onto a loose ball just inside the box, rifling a shot past the stranded Termál goalkeeper. The stadium, previously subdued, erupted in hope.

The momentum had shifted visibly, and Gyulai Termál—so assured for much of the season—appeared rattled. Kerületi TUE capitalized again nine minutes later. In the 82nd, another surge down the left flank led to a pinpoint cross, driven low and hard to the edge of the six-yard box, where a Kerületi forward redirected the ball into the net for what proved to be the winner.

Moments of Decision: Red Card and High Drama

As the clock ticked toward ninety, Gyulai Termál’s frustration manifested in a moment of indiscipline. In the dying seconds, a Termál player was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, a coda to their unraveling and final confirmation of Kerületi TUE’s triumph.

Recent Form and League Context

The victory ends a fluctuating five-game run for Kerületi TUE that saw just two wins, a pair of draws, and a heavy defeat last weekend at Szegedi VSE. Today’s result, however, ignites fresh optimism within the squad, lifting them to 15 points after eleven games—solidifying their place in the middle tier but, crucially, recalling the form that yielded a dominant 4-0 win against Martfűi LSE three weeks ago.

Gyulai Termál, meanwhile, suffer only their second defeat of the campaign, their grip on the summit momentarily loosening. They remain first with 28 points, but this reversal—combined with narrow losses to ESMTK and a Magyar Kupa exit last month—will give rival teams reason for hope.

Head-to-Head and Historical Resonance

While recent records tilt heavily in Gyulai Termál’s favor, history at Hévízi úti Stadion hints at Kerületi TUE’s ability to trouble the elite, particularly when buoyed by a passionate home support. Matches between these sides have rarely been short of incident, and today’s drama adds another memorable chapter to their budding rivalry.

What’s at Stake: Moving Forward

For Kerületi TUE, the win is more than a statistical uptick—it is a statement of intent. With 15 points and momentum now at their back, the focus will turn to building consistency and challenging for a top-three finish. Their ability to translate moments of quality into steady results will define their ambitions in the weeks ahead.

Gyulai Termál, for all their early-season dominance, must grapple with newfound adversity. The red card and late collapse will demand introspection, but their league position remains formidable. How they respond—a test of character as much as skill—will shape the complexion of the NB III Southeast title race.

As the sun set over Hévízi úti Stadion, the echoes of Kerületi TUE’s comeback lingered, a reminder that in sport, hierarchy is never fixed, and momentum is ever fleeting.