Twente must erase 1-2 deficit to force extra‑time against Ferencváros
FC Twente face a decisive second‑leg clash with Ferencváros in the Europa Conference League after a 1-2 loss in Budapest. A victory at the Grolsch Veste would level the aggregate score and push the tie into extra time, turning Thursday’s disappointment into a high‑stakes showdown.
The first‑leg performance highlighted Twente’s inability to convert dominance into goals. Despite periods of sustained pressure and several clear chances, the Dutch side failed to find the back of the net, leaving them trailing by a single goal.
Captain Bart van Rooij acknowledged the shortfall, saying, "We created enough chances, but it was the finishing or the final pass that let us down. It feels a bit like last season." His comments underscored the frustration of possessing the ball without translating it into a lead.
Former international Kenneth Pérez stepped in after the match to remind the squad that the tie was far from over. "You still have a chance next week, right? It won’t be difficult if you keep believing," he urged, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset.
Inspired by Pérez’s words, Van Rooij shifted his tone to one of confidence. "Both are good teams and chances will come. I have full confidence. Keep the morale high," he concluded, signalling a renewed energy heading into the return.
On the tactical front, head coach Ron Jans has already begun dissecting the footage. The coaching staff plans to tighten the defensive line and improve the transition game that Ferencváros exploited, while also placing greater emphasis on set‑piece efficiency and rapid counter‑attacks to erase the deficit.
Club director Jan de Vries warned that fan support could be the decisive factor. "A roaring atmosphere can give the players a boost and swing the momentum in our favour," he said, urging supporters to fill the stadium and create an intimidating home environment.
If Twente can capitalize on the opportunities they generated in the first leg while maintaining defensive solidity, they possess a realistic chance of progressing. The return promises a fiercely contested battle where a single error could determine the outcome.