Ferencváros took the first step toward defending its domestic title with a high-octane 15:13 win over Vasas in Game 1 of the 2025 Hungarian League Playoff Finals, played in front of a near-capacity crowd at Budapest’s iconic Komjádi Pool. The reigning champions remained unbeaten in domestic competition, pulling ahead late in the fourth quarter after the score was tied at 13:13.
Dusan Mandic was the difference-maker, scoring two decisive goals in the final minutes to secure victory for Ferencváros. The second game of the best-of-five series is set for Sunday, again at Komjádi Pool, with Vasas officially designated as the home team.
Vasas opens strong, but Fradi takes early control
Vasas struck first, with Djurdjic converting a man-up opportunity for their only lead of the game. Ferencváros responded swiftly, scoring twice and establishing control. Szilárd Jansik extended the lead to 4:2 with a counterattack goal, but Dedovic immediately narrowed the deficit. Ferencváros held a slim 4:3 lead after the first quarter.
Argyropoulos turns up the heat
The second quarter started evenly, with Manhercz doubling Fradi’s lead before Vasas leveled at 5:5. Then came a game-changing burst from Stylianos Argyropoulos, who netted three powerplay goals in just two minutes, helping Ferencváros surge to an 8:5 lead.
By the 15th minute, the reigning champions held a 9:6 advantage, but Vasas responded with two quick goals before halftime, closing the gap to 8:9 and staying firmly in contention.
Ferencváros maintains edge, Vasas keeps fighting
In the third period, Ferencváros twice extended their lead to three goals (12:9 and 13:10), with goals from Mandic, Manhercz, and Nagy. Still, Vasas refused to back down. Soma Lakatos found the net late in the quarter to bring the score to 11:13 heading into the final eight minutes.
Mandic delivers in the clutch
Vasas came out flying in the fourth quarter, scoring twice in less than a minute to equalize at 13:13. Sava Randjelovic struck from distance, followed by a man-up goal from Lakatos, bringing the visitors level.
But with the momentum shifting, Dusan Mandic stepped up again. His fourth goal of the night put Ferencváros ahead 14:13 with just over two minutes to play. He struck again moments later, restoring a two-goal cushion that Vasas could not overcome. Ferencváros closed out the game with disciplined defending to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Match Summary
2025 Hungarian League Playoffs
Final (Best-of-five), Game 1
Ferencváros – Vasas 15:13 (4:3, 5:5, 4:3, 2:2)
Ferencváros scorers:
Mandic 4, Argyropoulos 3, Manhercz 2, Akos Nagy 1, Németh 1, Jansik 1, Vince Varga 1
Vasas scorers:
Randjelovic 3, Lakatos 2, Djurdjic 2, Batori 2, Dedovic 1, Selley Rauscher 1, Batizi 1, Ragacs 1
3rd-Place Playoff – Game 1
Szolnok – BVSC 7:11 (1:3, 1:2, 4:4, 1:2)
5th-Place Playoff – Game 2
Honvéd – OSC Budapest 17:9 (3:3, 4:4, 7:2, 3:0)
Series score: 2–0 to Honvéd
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