On Thursday, November 5, our men’s soccer team faced its biggest challenge yet in the UEFA Europa League group stage, as Balázs Borbély’s squad took the field at the legendary San Siro, home of seven-time European Cup/Champions League winner AC Milan.
Our team wasn’t alone this time either, as more than 6,000 Hungarians traveled to the venue to cheer on Dénes Dibusz and his teammates.

Having won all three of its matches so far, FTC took the field at the magnificent stadium with the starting lineup of Dibusz – Osváth, Raemaekers, Gómez, Cadu – Bero, Á. Nagy, Corbu – Zachariassen, Birmancsevics – Joseph – took the field at the fantastic stadium. Even before and during warm-ups, our fans created an incredible atmosphere, practically turning the stadium into a home field for the players when they arrived before the match.

First Half

Joseph had the first big chance: Zachariassen won the ball and then set up our Haitian forward, whose shot was unfortunately saved by Torriani. It was a bold start; we pressed high, and the Italian giant clearly didn’t like this aggressive style. In the 17th minute, Zachariassen received a good pass, but his shot was weak. Then Birmancsevics beat his man on the left; his cross would have been perfect for Joseph, but the defense managed to clear it at the last moment.

In the first 25 minutes, we didn’t record a single chance for the home team; our guys stifled Milan’s play. After another turnover, Joseph found himself with a clear chance again, but his finish was weak, and Torriani easily caught the ball intended for the bottom left corner.

The expected goals (xG) after half an hour stood at 0.00–1.11 in our favor.

We took several corner kicks and free kicks, but the home defense neutralized them all. We had to wait until the 39th minute for the home team’s first chance, but Cisse shot well over the bar. On the other end, Joseph threatened again, but his shot from a sharp angle was saved by the goalkeeper. Shortly afterward, our Haitian attacker found himself in another scoring position, but Torriani came out on top in this one-on-one as well, leaving the score at 0–0 at halftime—a result that Milan was likely happier with.

Second Half

Hutchison had the first chance after the break, but he only hit the side netting. After Ramos’s solo run, the ball was cleared for a corner. But then came the big moment! We won the ball again inside Milan’s box; Torriani took a long touch, and Zachariassen pounced on it, only to be brought down by the goalkeeper—we would have been awarded a penalty if the ball hadn’t fallen to Lenny Jose, who slotted it into the empty net (0-1).
The more than 4,000 Fradi fans in the visitors’ section erupted as one. Hutchinson had a chance to equalize, but his shot went wide.

Moreira’s curling shot in the 62nd minute sailed well over the crossbar. A minute later, Amorim substituted in Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. It was unbelievable what the Hungarians at San Siro experienced that evening!

In the 65th minute, Zachariassen led a textbook counterattack, setting up Joseph for an unmissable chance; all he had to do was shoot into the empty net (0–2).

We made some substitutions as well, with Ádám Madarász and Bamidele Yusuf coming on for Bero and Joseph. We didn’t let up: first, the goalkeeper had to parry a shot by Zachariassen, then Gómez’s header went just over the bar. A single misstep disrupted what had been a perfect evening. In the 75th minute, VAR reviewed a potential red card for a striking motion by Yusuf; the card was shown, leaving us a man down.

In the 81st minute, Dibusz had to make his best save of the game so far on Hutchinson’s fast, powerful shot toward the center of the goal. In the closing minutes, Madarász even had a chance, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Tonight was our night—a celebration for Ferencvárosi Torna Club in Milan. Our team played wonderfully to win 2-0 at San Siro against seven-time European Cup/Champions League champion AC Milan. No, that’s not a typo—these are facts!

Next up, our team will visit Vasas at home this Sunday in league play.