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List of sports rivalries in Hungary

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The derby between Ferencváros and Újpest is widely considered the greatest in Hungarian sports.

This is a list of the main sporting local derbies and other sports rivalries in Hungary.

Association football

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This is a list of the main association football rivalries in Hungary:

Ferencváros Vs. Újpest

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Arguably the two biggest teams in the country, having a total of 55 Hungarian league titles between them. Ferencváros have the most fans in the country, with an estimated 2 million people supporting them, scattered all over the country, and including from areas outside of Hungary with a large Hungarian population, such as Felvidék, Délvidék, and Erdély. Naturally, a lot of Ferencváros fans come from the eponymous district of Budapest, but FTC tends to be the most popular team in other districts as well, even surpassing the popularity of the local teams of the districts. This is the case in Csepel, Rákosfalva, and Zugló. They are also the most popular team in almost all cities in Hungary, (even in Cities which have local teams) with the exception of Miskolc, Debrecen, Fehérvár, and Győr. Their ultra group, known as Green Monsters, where founded in 1995, and have gained notoriety for their violence, and willingness to cause chaos. They were especially feared in the early 2000s, when away fans rarely turned up in big numbers at Üllői Út. The club's image is extremely political, as it was founded by Christian swabians living in Hungary, and is associated with that of the Hungarian far-right. Újpest are the second most supported team in the country, and have the majority of their fanbase in the 4th district. A lot of Újpest fans can be found in the neighbouring districts, such as Óbuda, and Újpalota. Just like it is the case with their green counterparts, Újpest have a lot of fans outside of Budapest, and in provincial cities, such as Szombathely and Karczag. Their ultra group is known as Viola Fidelity, which came to existence in 2002. Fidelity was preceded by (and as such, built upon the foundations of) Újpest Ultras, founded in 1992. Since the 1990s, Újpest fans have gained a reputation for being far-right as well. The rivalry can be traced back to the 1930s when Újpest won their first Hungarian League title. By this time, Ferencváros had 11 championships, and were the second biggest team in the country, behind MTK. The district of Újpest became part of Budapest only in the 1950s. Therefore, the rivalry is based on a city-rural contrast. The supporters of Ferencváros were Germans in Hungary and city-dwellers, while the supporters of Újpest were Hungarians, Germans, and Jews in Hungary.

In the 1950s Ferencváros became the team of the opposition, were stripped of their green and white colours, and forcibly changed their name to Budapest Kinizsi. Meanwhile, Újpest were forced to become the team of the Ministry of Interior, and were known for the entirety of the Communist era in Hungary, as Újpesti Dózsa (meaning Dynamo). Therefore, Ferencváros fans consider Újpest as the Soviet invaders. Ferencváros reinstalled their official crest and colours during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

In 1960, Újpest ended their 13-year long league title drought, as the purple and whites finished 5 points above runners-up Ferencváros. In 1963, it was FTC who won their first league title since 1949, after finishing 6 points above MTK, and 7 points above Újpest. In 1964, Újpest beat Ferencváros 4‐2 in the highest ever attended game between the two, with 85,000 people cramming into the Népstadion. Ferencváros became the first Hungarian team to win a continental cup, winning the 1965 cup of fair-trade cities. Újpest would attempt to recreate this feat in 1969, but ultimately lost in the final, against Newcastle United. 1969 would be the start of the Magical Újpest era, with the purples from the capital winning the national championship 7 consecutive times. In 1969, Újpest won both the league and the Hungarian cup.

In 1971, the purple and whites won their third consecutive league title, after finishing 2 points above Ferencváros. In 1973 the league trophy returned to the Megyeri road for the fifth consecutive season. Ferencváros finished second, being 5 points away from their arch rivals. In 1974, the two teams again finished in the top 2 spots, with Újpest winning the league, 3 points above Ferencváros. In 1976, FTC finally managed to finish above Újpest, who achieved a bronze-medal and won their first league title since 1968. In spite of this, Újpest beat Ferencváros 3-8 that season at the Népstadion, which was their largest margin of victory in the history of the derby up to that point. In 1977, both teams were within reach of another league-title, but had to watch, as it was another club from the capital, Vasas, who ended up champions. Also in 1977, the biggest rivals of Pest met in the Hungarian Cup Final, with Ferencváros beating Újpest 3‐2, after being in front 3 times. This was the first time in 43 years, that Ferencváros and Újpest encountered each other in a cup final. In 1979, Újpest won their 9th national championships of the decade, after finishing 3 points above the green and whites. During the season, Ferencváros sought revenge for the 3-8 loss they had suffered 3 years prior, and beat Újpest 7‐1.

In October 1980, Újpest defeated FTC 0‐3 in the 9th district. This is the highest ever attended game at Üllői Út, with 35,000 people being present. In 1981, Ferencváros won their 23rd first Division title, while Újpest finished 8th, their worst since 1955. In 1982, Ferencváros defeated Újpest 5‐0, after a hat-trick from László Szokolai. Both teams had a regression of form, and achieved their worst-ever league positions up to that point. In 1985, FTC finished 13th,while Újpest finished 11th in 1986. Ferencváros spent 5 consecutive seasons outside the top 3, however, Újpest achieved a bronze and a silver medal, and came within 3 points of winning the championship in 1987. In 1989, Ferencváros were close to winning the 1st division, but came up just short of Budapest Honvéd.

In 1990, Újpest and MTK finished on equal points, with Ferencváros finishing 3rd. Due to their better head-to-head record in the season, Újpest claimed their first league title in 10 years. In 1992, Ferencváros finished 1 point above Vác, and won their first championship since 1981. The two sides met in the 1992 Hungarian Supercup, where Újpest got the best of their rivals, defeating them 3–1, in no small part thanks to Dénes Eszenyi, who scored a brace in 15 minutes. This was the first, and still only time, when Újpest defeated Ferencváros in a final. In may of 1994, Újpest overcame FTC 1‐0 after István Kozma converted a penalty to give the purple and whites their first win at Üllői Út in 10 years. In 1995, Ferencváros won the league, after finishing 7 points above Újpest, and retained their title in the following season. In 1997 Újpest finished runners-up, while Ferencváros achieved a bronze-medal finish. In 1998, Újpest won the 1st Division, under the guidance of Péter Várhidi, while Ferencváros finished 2nd place, 6 points behind the purple and whites.This has been Újpest's last national championship, as they have been unable to reclaim it ever since. In 1999 Újpest finished runners-up, 1 point above 3rd placed Ferencváros.

In 2001, Ferencváros won the league in a now reduced 1st division of 12 teams. In 2004, the 9th districtian green and whites won another league-title, finishing 1 point above Újpest. In 2006, Ferencváros were relegated to the 2nd Division, due to not being given a 1st Division license for the first time in their history. After a 3-year hiatus, the derby was held again, in October 2009, with Újpest defeating Ferencváros 2–1, due to an '88 minute strike from Rajczi.

In September 2010, Újpest defeated Ferencváros 6–0, their highest ever win of margin against the greens. In April 2011, Ferencváros ended their 7-year winless run against Újpest, by defeating them 1–0 at the Üllői Út. In March 2013, Ferencváros bid farewell to their long-time home, Albert Flórián stadium, with a 2–1 win over Újpest. In September 2014, Újpest recorded what remains their most recent home win over Ferencváros, thanks to a goal from Simon in the '72nd minute, making it 2–1. in December 2015, Újpest defeated Ferencváros away 0–1. The purple and whites have not recorded a single victory over FTC ever since. In April of 2016 Ferencváros defeated Újpest 1-2 from behind to claim their first victory at Megyeri road in the 21st century. Ferencváros also beat Újpest 1‐0 in the 2016 Hungarian cup final. In 2018, both teams finished within the top 3 for the first time since 2004, as FTC finished 2nd, while Újpest finished 3rd. The two sides have met in 238 1st Division games, with Ferencváros winning 118, and Újpest winning 61 of them.

Örökrangadó

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''Örökrangadó'': Ferencváros vs. MTK Budapest[3] The Örökrangadó, meaning "Eternal derby" is a fixture played between Ferencváros, and MTK. The rivalry dates back all the way to the initial years of the 20th century. Both clubs are amongst the three oldest clubs, not only in the capital, but within the entire country, and were amongs the first teams to become national champions, with FTC winning their first silverware in 1903, and their cross-district rivals from the 8th district of Budapest, following suit in 1904. In the ensuing 36 years, both clubs would dominate the domestic league, and there were only 3 seasons where neither club finished within the Top 3.

MTK won the 1932 Hungarian Cup, by defeating FTC 4–3, in a game where Ferencváros scrambled a 0–2 lead. 3 years later, the team from the 9th district exacted revenge, as they beat MTK in the 1935 Hungarian cup final. in 1940, as a response to the tighter restrictions on Jewish people in Hungary, MTK disbanded, due to the club's heavy Jewish-affiliation. After the Second World War ended, MTK were founded again, and saw some success, namely winning the 1951, 1953 and 1957/58 national championships, and would not leave the top 3 for 10 seasons. However, by 1941, Ferencváros had overtaken MTK in terms of national championships, and while MTK faced a title-drought after 1958, that spanned nearly three decades, Ferencváros, who had a title-drought of their own, between 1949 and 1963, won an additional 6 national championships by the time MTK were champions again, in 1987.

In 1963, Ferencváros finished 6 points above MTK, to end their league-title drought which had been plighting the club since 1949. They would add four further league-titles to their already stacked trophy cabinet in the 1960s decade. In 1966, Ferencváros beat MTK 7‐1, their highest scoring victory in the eternal derby.

In 1976, Ferencváros beat MTK in the final of the Hungarian cup 1‐0. This year FTC achieved the double, as they had also won the league, breaking Úpest's hegemony in the championship. MTK finished 6th.

In 1981, Ferencváros won their first league title in 5 years, after finishing 3 points above Tatabánya. MTK finished 17th, and were relegated for the first time in 40 years. By 1983, they had been promoted as champions of the 2nd division, and MTK defeated FTC at home for the first time since 1961, after beating the green and whites 4‐0. In 1987 MTK ended their league-trophy drought of 29 years, and won the 1st division after finishing 3 points above Újpest, while Ferencváros finished 6th.

In 1991, MTK achieved their first win at FTC's stadium since 1970, after going down 1-0 early on, Balog equalized for the red and blues, and Morozov scored the winning goal in the 85th minute. Ferencváros won the league in 1992, 1995 and 1996. In 1997, MTK won another league title, after finishing 9 points above Újpest, and 11 points above FTC. In 1999, MTK finished 19 points above runners-up Ferencváros, and claimed their 21st title.

In 2000 FTC claimed their first victory at Hungária körút since 1992, after beating MTK 2‐3. In 2001, Ferencváros won their 27th league title. Although MTK won the regular season of the 2001/02 season, they finished 3rd place in the 2nd round, behind first-time winners Zalaegerszeg, and Ferencváros. In 2003, MTK won the league for a third time in 6 years, after finishing 2 points above Ferencváros. They also defeated Ferencváros 2‐0 in the 2003 Hungarian Supercup. This marked the first time MTK beat their green and white neighbours in a final since 1932. In 2004, Ferencváros won the league again, after finishing one point above arch-rivals Újpest. In 2005, Ferencváros and MTK finished on equal points (56), and finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, as Debreceni VSC became the first eastern Hungarian team to win the top-flight. In 2006, Ferencváros were relegated from the 1st division for the first time in their history, and MTK achieved their 23rd top-flight title, and their most recent, in 2008. Ferencváros returned to the top division in 2009, and won their first league title in 12 years in 2016. In 2022, MTK defeated FTC at the Üllői Út for the first time in 20 years, after beating the green and whites 0‐4. The two teams have met in over 200 league games, with Ferencváros winning 91 "Eternal Derbies", and MTK being victorious on 76 occasions.

North Pest derby: Vasas vs. Újpest

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Although the two fanbases are on cordial terms with each other, due to the two teams' locations being in neighbouring districts of Pest, on the pitch this is very much a fierce meeting.

From the 1930s onwards, Újpest established themselves as a title-winning club, having already won 8 national titles, by the time Vasas won their first in 1957. Throughout the 60's, both clubs continued adding to their respective trophy cabinets, with Vasas winning 3 narional titles, and Újpest winning 2 national titles, and a cup, which was achieved during a league-cup "double" in 1969.

Throughout the '70's, the team of Újpest was unrivaled domestically, with the purples from the capital winning the national championship 7 consecutive times. Vasas added won the cup in 1973, and won their sixth national championship, which, to this day, happens to remain their last. The two times met in the final four group stage of the 1977 Hungarian Cup final, where Újpest beat Vasas 5-3, with 8 different goalscorers being on the scoresheet.

Although the West Ham United of Budapest, as Vasas is sometimes referred to, won two further Hungarian cups in the '80's, the club would experience a sharp decline over the following decades, suffering relegation for the first time in 59 years in 2004. Újpest, although failed to win the national championship in the 80's decade, won 3 Hungarian cups. They would finally end their 11-year wait for a championship in 1990 under coach István Varga.

The two clubs have met in 180 league games, with Újpest winning 93, and Vasas winning 45 of these meetings. Vasas experienced several long winless streaks at Újpest's ground, the Ferenc Szusza Stadium, such as between 1955 and 1965. The streak was broken in the season that Vasas won their fourth national championship, in a game that Vasas won 2-3, with a late penalty from Mészöly Jr. Vasas also experienced a period of winlessness in the fourth district of Budapest between 1986 and 1997. The streak was broken in week 12 of the 1997/98 season, with Vasas defeating eventual champions Újpest 1-2. This was one of only three defeats the purple and whites suffered that season. This loss remains the last time Vasas managed to beat Újpest away. Újpest was undefeated at Vasas' ground for numerous, long periods of time, between 1919 and 1948. They were also undefeated between 1985 and 1993. The streak was broken in June 1993, when Vasas beat Újpest 3-1, with two penalty goals from Galaschek. Újpest also didn't lose any of its games at Fáy Utcai Stadion, between 2001 and 2008. In August 2008, Vasas beat UTE 4-2. The last time the claret and blue club defeated Újpest at home was in 2016. With a '90 minute goal, Vasas beat Újpest 3-2 in a thriller of a game.

South Pest derby: Ferencváros vs. Honvéd

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Ferencvárosi TC vs. Budapest Honvéd

The two biggest clubs in South Pest in terms of fanbase and attendance, In the first half of the 20th Century the rivalry was very one sided, and Honvéd was unable to defeat Ferencváros between 1920 and 1939. Furthermore, from the first time the two teams met, in 1916, up until 1945, Honvéd only managed 5 victories over their rivals from South Pest. In the same time period, while Honvéd were struggling to achieve silverware in the 1st Division, only achieving two silver-medals, Ferencváros won 17 national championships by the time Honvéd won their first Bronze-medal, in 1949.

In the 1950s, the fortunes of the two teams changed drastically. FTC's era of dominance came to a halt, with the green and white side having to temporarily change their colors to red and white, and, under pressure from the government, had to change their name to Édosz SE, then Budapesti Kinizsi. Honvéd, on the other hand, were the favoured team by the government, and changed their name from Kispesti AC, to the now infamous Budapest Honvéd, in 1950. The red and blacks won five national championships in the 1950's decade, a side that had never won one before. Ferencváros would get their name and original colours back in 1956, and ended their 8-year winless run against Honvéd a couple of months later. The April 1958 meeting between Ferencváros and Honvéd was the first ever televised football fixture in Hungary.

In 1963, Ferencváros won their first league title since 1949, and in 1964, they beat out Budapest Honvéd by 3 points, to clinch their 19th national title. Honvéd won the cup in the same year. In the 70's, Honvéd did not win a single national honour, although they came close numerous times, as they finished 2nd in four seasons, while Ferencváros won 1 league title, and 4 national cups. Honvéd ended their almost 3-decade long wait for a national title in the 1979/80 season, and also managed to beat Ferencváros at Üllői Út the following year, a ground they had not won at since 1969.

The team from the 19th district of Budapest would win a further 4 national championships in the decade, including a three-peat, between 1984 and '86. They would also complete a league-cup "double" in 1985. The sides met in the 1989 Hungarian Cup Final where Honvéd won 1-0 to clinch their, fourth Hungarian Cup. Ferencváros would have their own winless streak at Honvéd's stadium, between 1982 and 1989, with the streak being broken in October 1989, in front of 20,000 people, when FTC beat Honvéd 0-2.

After experiencing another national title drought between 1981 and 1992, Ferencváros won their 24th league title in the 1991/92 season. The green and whites won two more league title's in the decade, while Honvéd were crowned champions in the 1992/93 season, where FTC, who finished 3rd place, were only 2 points off Kispest. The sides also met in the 1993 Hungarian Supercup, where Ferencváros beat Honvéd 2-1. the 1994 edition of the Cup featured a 2-legged final, featuring FTC and Honvéd. Ferencváros won both legs, and thus won their 17th Hungarian cup. In June 1999, Honvéd won their first game at Üllői Út in 10 years' time, with a late goal from Borgulya.

The 2000s were a decade to forget for both clubs, as Honvéd were relegated in 2003, for the first time since 1916. The red and blacks would get promoted after spending only one season in the 2nd Division, and would eventually close out the decade with 2 Hungarian cups, won in 2007 and 2009. Ferencváros, although becoming Hungarian champions in 2001 and 2004 (year of the league-cup "double", where Ferencváros beat Honvéd 3-1 in the Cup Final), were relegated in 2006, after not receiving a first-division licence, due to financial predicaments. This was the green and whites' first relegation in their over 100-year old history, and would not see the 1st Division again, until 2009.

In October 2013, Honvéd defeated Ferencváros at Üllői Út 1-2, in what remains their final victory at their rival's ground. In 2016, Ferencváros won the league for the first time in 15 years, while Honvéd were champions the following year, breaking their 14 year long league title-drought. in 2019, Honvéd beat FTC 3-2, although Ferencváros became champions that night, regardless of the result. Honvéd have not beaten FTC since, and were relegated from the top-flight in 2023.

North Pest vs. South Pest derby

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Újpest and Budapest Honvéd are the third and fourth most decorated teams in terms of league titles. Due to the two teams' proximity, and the number of times they have met in the top-flight, this is one of the most fierce rivalries within Budapest.

The sides first met in 1916, when they were known as UTE and Kispesti AC, respectively. Between 1926 and 1943, Kispest was unable to claim a win over their northern rivals, with Újlest winning all but two of their match-ups in that timeframe. The following year, Kispest beat UTE at the Megyeri Road for the first time since 1926. While Honvéd were the first team out of the two to win silverware, namely, the 1926 Hungarian Cup, Újpest spent the subsequent 2 decades winning 7 national titles, establishing itself as a top club. In 1950, by which time Újpest had come to be 8-time Hungarian champions, Honvéd won their first league-title, finishing 4 points above Ferencváros, then known as Édosz SE. In 1954, Újpesti Dózsa beat Honvéd away for the first time since 1947. The purple and whites won the game 4‐5, with Ferenc Szusza scoring a hat-trick. By the end of the decade, Honvéd had claimed the league trophy 5 times, while other prominent clubs from the capital, like Újpest and Ferencváros experienced long title-droughts, with Újpest not winning the championship between 1947 and 1960, and FTC winning the 1963 championship, foe the first time in 14 years.

In the 1960s, Újpest won two national titles, in 1960, and 1969. they also won the Hungarian Cup, for the first time in their history, after defeating Honvéd 3‐1 in the final. In the same year, Újpest also reached the final of the inter-cities fairs cup. In the latter season, Újpest started off the era, which has since come to be known in the club's history as Magical Újpest. This period covers Újpesti Dózsa's remarkable run from 1969 until 1979, when the club won 8 league titles, and 2 cups under head coach Lajós Baróti. they also won the Hungarian Cup, for the first time in their history, after defeating Honvéd 3‐1 in the final. In the same year, Újpest also reached the final of the inter-cities fairs cup.

In December of 1972 Újpest defeated Honvéd 4-0, as the purple and whites went 3-0 up within the 30-minute mark. In 1973, Honvéd finished runners-up, 7 points behind Újpest. The sides met with 5 games to go, and produced a violent and exciting matchup. The game ended 1-1, with 2 players getting sent off within 7 minutes. In 1974, Honvéd became only the third team of zhe season to beat Újpest away, as they won their first game at Megyeri road since 1959, after beating the purple and white side 1‐3 on the last day of the season. This would be one of only two league wins Kispest would achieve in the entire 1970's in the 4th district. In 1975, Kispest yet again finished runners-up behind their purple counterparts, this time, 3 points off. The teams met on the last day of the season, and played a 1-1 draw, despite Honvéd taking the lead. In 1978, a single point separated the two clubs after the last round. Despite Honvéd defeating a 10-man Vasas 2-0, and Újpest only managing a draw against Ferencváros on the last day of the season, Kispest had to further prolong their wait for a first national title since 1955. In September 1978, Honvéd ended Újpest's 16-month undefeated streak in the league, after overcoming the defending champions 4-1 at Népstadion. In June of 1979 Újpest defeated Honvéd 4-0, with a László Fekete hat-trick. Újpest ended up wonning the championship, while Honvéd finished 5th.

In 1980, Budapest Honvéd ended their 25-year drought of a league-title, and won the championship 3 points ahead of Újpest, preventing the purple and whites from achieving a 3-peat. This wad the first season since 1958 that Honvéd did the "double" over Újpest, beating their 4th districtian rivals 2-1 in September, and shutting them out 5-0 in May.

In 1983, Újpest defeated Honvéd in the Hungarian cup final 3‐1, and won the competition for the fifth time. Between 1984 and 1986, Kispest won three national titles in successive seasons, becoming the first team to do so in the cold-war era, since Újpest between 1969 and 1972, and 1973 and 1976. In April of 1985 Újpest handed Honvéd only their second loss on home soil throughout the 1984/85 season, as they defeated the red and black 4-2 at Népstadion, despite being 2-1 down with 23 minutes to go. Kispest also won the Hungarian cup in 1985 and 1989. Although Újpest failed to win a single league title in the decade, they remained a tough opponent for Honvéd, as the team from the 19th district only beat Újpest 4 times in the 1980s. In April of 1986 Honvéd obliterated Újpest 6-0 at Népstadion. A couple of weeks later the club completed their second three-peat. In October of 1986 Újpest sought revenge, after beating Kispest 5-2. Despite being 2-1 down until the 64th minute, the purple and whites scored three unanswered goals. Honvéd would win two further league titles, in 1988 and 1989, however, in an ironic twist of events, their second 3-peat attempt was thwarted by Újpest. The purple and whites won their first championship since 1979, and prevented Kispest from achieving 3 consecutive league-titles, in very similar fashion to the way Kispest prevented them, a decade prior. Újpest confirmed their status as champions on the last day of the season, after defrating Honvéd 2-0 by a brace from András Szabó. Kispest finished 13th that season, 2 points above the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, Kispest regained their old form, and won the league again in 1991, and 1993. In 1997, Újpest defeated Honvéd away for the first time since 1989, with goals from Véber and Sebők. In 1998, Újpest won their 20th national championship of and added the much coveted second star to their crest, while Kispest finished dangerously close to the relegation zone. On the last day of thr season, an already confirmed champion Újpest hosted Honvéd. The game ended 2-2, and due to Tiszakécske's loss, Honvéd managed to preserve their status in the top-flight. In 2001, Kispest defeated Újpest at the Megyeri road for the first time since 1993, with a goal from Marius Sasu.

In 2003, Honvéd were relegated from the 1st division for the first time since 1916, although they would rebound quickly, as they were promoted after one season. Újpest won the Hungarian Cup again in 2002, while Honvéd won the competition in 2007 and 2009. In 2010, Honvéd achieved their first win at the Ferenc Szusza Stadium since 2004. In 2017, Kispest ended their 14-year wait for a national championship, after winning the 1st division. With that, Újpest were now the Budapest-based club experiencing the second longest wait for a national championship (since 1998), behind Vasas. In 2020, Újpest beat Honvéd away for the first time in 5 years, after beating the red and blacks 1‐2. In 2023, Honvéd were relegated from NB1. Újpest and Honvéd have met in over 200 league games, with Újpest winning 107, and Honvéd winning 56.

MTK vs. Újpest

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MTK and Újpest, based in the 8th and 4th districts of Budapest respectively, are the second and third most decorated Hungarian teams. The sides have met in 224 top-flight matches, 88 of which MTK won, while Újpest were victorious 83 times.

The first time the two teams met was in the 2nd division, in 1902, with MTK winning 5-0. 3 years later, the sides met in the top-flight for the first time, in 1905. For the ensuing 3 decades, while MTK were winning championship upon championship, Újpest won their first title in 1930, by which time MTK had 12 league-titles. Újpest were also struggling head-to-head against MTK during this time, only winning 5 encounters between 1905 and 1925.

The tide seemed to turn in the 1930s decade, as Újpest won the championship 5 times, and were giving the previously dominating teams, Ferencváros and MTK a run for their money. MTK also won 2 league-titles in 1936 and 1937.

In may of 1940, the two teams played a spectacular 3‐3 draw. For the next 5 years, this would be the last time the game was held, as MTK disbanded during the Second World War due to their Jewish affiliation, and the club's president was murdered by Nyilas forces. Im 1941, Ferencváros overtook MTK as the Hungarian team with the most league-titles. In 1945, MTK were founded again, and in the same year, Újpest beat MTK for the first time in 9 years. Újpest won three consecutive league titles between 1945 and 1947.

In 1951, MTK ended their 14-year league-title drought, as they finished 4 points above emerging Budapest Honvéd, while Újpest finished 3rd. In 1953, MTK, now known as Budapesti Vörös Lobogó, won the league again, after finishing 3 points above Honvéd. In 1957, Újpest beat MTK at the Megyeri road 2‐1, for the first time in 7 years. In 1958, MTK won their 18th 1st division honor, while Újpest finished 7th. The white and blues won the league on the last day of the season, after defeating Újpest 2-0. With this trophy, albeit for a brief period of time, MTK would become the record-champions of Hungary, until Ferencváros equalled their tally in 1963. The purple and whites failed to win a single trophy throughout the entire 1950's decade.

In 1960, Újpest won their first championship since 1947, while MTK finished 4th. On the last day of the season, although they were already confirmed champions, Újpest defeated MTK 5-4 at Dózsa-Stadium. János Göröcs scored a hat-trick. In 1961, Újpest finished 2nd, 4 points off of the title, and MTK achieved a bronze-medal finish, 2 points behind Újpest. The clubs played each other on the last day of the season in a memorable encounter. The match ended 3-3 at Dózsa Stadium, with MTK taking the lead three separate times, but Újpest found an answer to all their goals. Béla Kuharszki equalised for the purple and whites in the '84th minute. On the penultimate day of the 1962 season, the teams faced each other in another high-scoring encounter. The game ended 3-3, and Újpest once again came very close, but ultimately failed to win the championship, as they finished 2 points behind champions Vasas. MTK finished 5th. In 1963, the roles were reversed, as MTK fell 6 points short off the championship, while Újpest finished 1 point behind them. In 1966, MTK achieved their worst season finish up to that point, after finishing 10th. Újpest achieved a 3rd place finish. The following season the white and blues were 10th again, and in 1968, MTK finished 11th, their new lowest finish, while Újpest finished a 2nd place finish, 1 point off the trophy. Despite the seemingly huge difference between the clubs' levels, MTK defeated Újpest 4-2 in Gameweek 7, with Antal Szuromi scoring a hat-trick. In 1969 Újpest won their second championship of the decade, and also managed to win the Hungarian cup. The purple and whites handed MTK two blow-out losses within a 6-month period. In June of 1969, Újpest defeated MTK 6-0 in front of their own crowd, with Bene, Fazekas and László Nagy all scoring a brace, while in November they obliterated the white and blues 6-1 in the 4th district.

The 1970s was the most successful decade in Újpest's history, with the purple and whites winning 8 consecutive championships between 1969 and 1976, a feat that still stands to this day. For the 1970 season, the federation decided to split the division into two groups of 8. The points the teams accumulated would stay with them for the 1970/71 season, and would be added to the teams' point tally at the end of the season. Újpest and MTK were both drawn into Group A, which the purple and whites won, finishing 5 points above 2nd place MTK. The 8th districtians were one of only two teams, apart from Rába-ETO to defeat Újpest that season. MTK finished the 1971/72 season 13th, their lowest league position up to that point. The club suffered a 6-2 defeat from Újpest in June of 1972. In April of 1975 Újpest recorded their tenth consecutive victory over MTK in the league, after beating them 4-1. This would be the longest sequence of matches that UTE continuosly won over MTK. In October of 1975 MTK broke the streak, after defeating Újpest 1-0 with a last-minute goal by Tibor Kiss. On the last day of the 1976 season, the clubs played a 9-goal thriller, as Újpest, who achieved a 3rd place finish, overcame MTK 5-4. In 1978, Újpest won their 9th league-title of the decade, after finishing 1 point above Honvéd, and 4 points above MTK. The white and blues were one of only four teams,alongside Ferencváros, Győr and DVTK who Újpest failed to beat at home. The purple and whites spent the entire season unbeaten at Megyeri Road, for the third time since 1970. The following season, Újpest retained the title, while MTK achieved their fourth new worst league position in 13 years, after finishing 14th. Throughout the entire 70's decade, Újpest were undefeated at home against MTK, with the purple team winning all but one encounter against MTK at the Megyeri Road. MTK did not fare much better at home against the team from the 4th district throughout the 1970s, as they only managed to beat them twice, in 1970 and in 1975. Between 1966 and 1977, the club from the 4th district defeated MTK more times, than they had done in the previous three decades.

In 1981, MTK were relegated after 40 years, but won the 2nd division the following season, and were promptly back. Also in 1981, Újpest recorded their lowest league finish in 26 years, as they finished 8th. This was the first time since 1964 that Újpest failed to finish in the top 4. In November 1984, MTK defeated Újpest at Megyeri Road for the first time since 1965, after an own goal from Zoltán Ebedli. In 1987, MTK ended their 29-year long title drought, and won the 1st division. They finished 3 points above runners-up Újpest, who returned to the top 3 after spending 6 consecutive seasons away from it. Up to that point, this was the longest ever continuous period Újpest spent outside the top 3, beating their previous period between 1904 and 1910. In August 1987, Újpest defeated MTK at Megyeri road for the first time in 10 years, after shutting out the 8th districtians 4‐0. In March 1988, MTK recorded their first victory over Újpest at Hungária körút since 1975, besting the purple and whites 2‐0.

In 1990, the two teams had a near identical season as they both finished on 48 points; Újpest went undefeated at home, and would win 18 games, draw 4 and lose 8. MTK only had one loss at home, against Veszprém, and would finish the season with the same amount of wins as Újpest. Even the games they played against each other had the same scoreline, with Újpest beating MTK 2-0 at the Megyeri road, while MTK overcame UTE 2-0 at home. It all came down to the last day of the season, when Újpest defeated Honvéd 2-0, while MTK suffered an upset defeat against Váci-Izzó. Újpest would be crowned champions, their first league title since 1979. In 1993, Újpest achieved their first victory at MTK's stadium in 8 years, however, that season Újpest achieved their lowest ever league finish, 14th, and only managed to salvage themselves from relegation during a 2-legged play-off fixture against Hatvan, which they won 2‐1 on aggregate. In 1994, MTK were relegated to the 2nd division, after only accumulating 17 points, and finishing last. They would be promoted the season after. In 1997, MTK won their 20th league-title, and added a second star to their crest, while Újpest finished runners-up, 9 points off of the white and blues. MTK won all of their first 15 games, and would only lose once throughout the entire season. The following year, Újpest achieved their 20th league-title, while MTK finished 5th, 15th points off of the trophy. the 4th districtians had the opportunity to achieve their first league&cup "double" since 1975, after reaching the final of the Hungarian cup. However, Újpest lost 1-0 to MTK, who won their second Hungarian cup in 2 years, having won the 1997 edition as well. In 1999, it was MTK's turn again to win the league, under headcoach Sándor Egervári. The team finished an astounding 19 points ahead of 2nd place FTC, and 20 points ahead of 3rd place UTE.

In March 2001, Újpest defeated MTK 2‐1 at home marking first time since 1994 that the purple and whites defeated MTK at the Megyeri road. The 2002/03 season featured a regular season, consisting of 22 games, and a play-off round, consisting of 10 games. In the regular season, MTK finished 2nd, 7 points above Újpest, who came 3rd. In the play-off part of the season, MTK eventually managed to win the season, after defeating Újpest 1-0 at the Megyeri road on the last day of the season, while Ferencváros failed to beat DVSC at the Üllői road. MTK finished 2 points above runners-up FTC, while UTE finished 4th. In 2008, MTK won their 23rd top-flight tite, finishing 2 points above DVSC, meanwhile Újpest finished 4th. In October 2008, Újpest defeated MTK 4-1 in the league at the Ferenc Szusza Stadium for the first time in 4 years. In 2011 MTK were relegated again, after finishing 15th, 4 points off safety. They were promoted after spending one season in the 2nd Division. In May 2014, MTK defeated Újpest 4-0 at the Megyeri road. This was MTK's first win in the 4th district since 2008. In 2017, MTK would suffer their third relegation in 23 years, after they finished level on points with Diósgyőr, but had a worse goal difference. They would make their return to NB1 in 2018, but their stay was short-lived, as the club was relegated for the second time in 3 seasons, in 2019.

In 2020, MTK were promoted from the 2nd Division as champions, winning their fourth title of the division. In February 2021, Újpest beat MTK at Hungária körút for the first time since 2014, after overcoming MTK 1-3. In April 2022, the 4th districtians recorded their first league win at home over MTK since 2015, after beating them 2‐0, with goals from Katona and Zivzivadze. Despite winning their last game 3-0 against DVSC, MTK were relegated in 2022, finishing 2 points off safety. In 2023, MTK were promoted after a 2nd-place finish, and the team kicked off their 109th top-flight season with a 1-1 draw against Paks.

Honvéd vs. MTK

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MTK and Honvéd are both based in the southern part of Pest, in the 8th and 19th districts respectively. The two sides have met in 197 top-flight games. Their first meeting was in 1916, where MTK shut Honvéd out an incredible 10-0.

Until the end of the 1940s, the rivalry was very one-sided in MTK's favour, both in the league as head to head, as MTK won 15 championships by 1945, while Honvéd achieved their second silver-medal finish in 1947, their only national honor up to that point. From 1916 until 1945, Honvéd only managed to defeat MTK in 4 league games, which highlights the white and blues' dominance over the inter-war decades. In 1945, Honvéd defeated MTK 0-6 at Hungária Körút. In June 1946, Honvéd and MTK played a spectacular 6-5 game at Üllői Út, with the legendary Ferenc Puskás scoring a hat-trick in 45 minutes. In the 1949/50 Budapest Honvéd won their first top-flight title, finishing 4 points above Ferencváros, while MTK finished 3rd.

Honvéd also won the 1950 autumn championship, finishing 3 points above MTK. MTK's only home defeat came against Honvéd in the form of a 3-6 loss on christmas day 1950. Ferenc Puskás and Sándor Kocsis both scored a hat-trick. MTK would seek revenge for this the following season, as they won their first championship since 1937. Honvéd finished runners-up, 4 points off MTK. In 1952 the teams were separated by just 2 points, as Honvéd clinched their third titl, and they did so while undefeated. In 1953 MTK defeated Honvéd 2-1 in front of 70,000 people, in the first MTK-Honvéd match-up held in the Népstadion. That season MTK finished 3 points above Honvéd, and won the league. In 1954 the two teams yet again finished in the top 2 spots of the league, with Budapest Honvéd becoming champions again, finishing 5 points above MTK. Honvéd scored 100 goals throughout the season, while MTK hit the net 82 times overall, the 2 highest in the league by a wide margin. In 1955, the scenario happened again, with Honvéd clinching their fifth top-division title in 5 years. MTK finished runners-up, 4 points off of Honvéd. In January 1955, Honvéd beat MTK at Üllői Út in front of 25,000 people in a memorable 7-9 game, which featured Ferenc Puskás scoring 4 goals, while Sándor Kocsis completed a hat-trick. MTK's Nándor Hidegkúti also found the back of the net 4 times. In 1956, Honvéd were leading the league table and looked destined for another championship as they were 3 points above Újpesti Dózsa, but due to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the league was suspended, and never finished. MTK were placed 3rd. In 1958 MTK won their 18th league-title, and of course finished 1 point above Honvéd. The teamd met with two games to go, and played an exciting 2-2 draw. László Budai scored a brace. With this trophy, MTK would, albeit for a brief period of time, become the record champions of Hungary, until FTC equalled their tally in 1963. In 1959 MTK were close to winning their second consecutive championship, as they finished level on points with Csepel, but had to settle for the 2nd place because of goaldifference. Honvéd finished 3rd, 1 point off both teams.

In 1963, Honvéd defeated MTK for the first time in 4 years, shutting out their Pestern rivals 4-0 at the Népstadion. Lajos Tichy scored a hat-trick in 11 minutes. At the end of the season, Honvéd finished level on points with Győr and FTC, but Győr were declared champions due to their goal range. MTK finished 7th. The following season, both teams retained their positions, as Honvéd finished 3 points off the trophy, while MTK finished 7th again. In August 1966, MTK beat Honvéd in the league for the first time in 4 years, defeating them 2-0 at Hungária Körút. In 1968, MTK defeated Honvéd 2-1 at Népstadion in the Hungarian Cup final to win their 9th edition of the trophy. In 1969, Honvéd finished runners-up again, while MTK finished 9th.

In 1971 the clubs were separated by 1 position on the league table, as Honvéd finished 4th, 3 points above MTK. In 1978 Honvéd finished 2nd, 3 points above 3rd place MTK. In 1980 Honvéd ended their 25-year wait for a national title, and won the league, despite losing 2-1 to MTK on the last gameweek, while MTK finished 8th. In 1981 MTK were relegated for the first time in 40 years. The team only won 4 games, and only collected 22 points. They would return as of NB2 champions in 1982. In 1984 Honvéd won their seventh top-flight title, while MTK finished 9th. The following season the red and blacks retained their championship, finishing 10 points above Győri-ETO. MTK (who finished 2 points above relegation) and Honvéd clashed on the last day of the season, where Honvéd bested MTK at Hungária Körút 2-4. In 1986 Honvéd became the second team after Újpest in the 1970s to win three consecutive championships, as they finished 6 points above Pécs. MTK finished 7th. In 1987 MTK won their first league-title since 1958, while losing 4 games in the entire season. They defeated Honvéd 2-0 during the season, with a brace from György Szeibert. Honvéd finished outside the top 3 for the first time in 4 years. However, the following season Honvéd were champions again, repeating this feat in 1989, when the two teams played each other in the last game of the season. Heading into the game, the two teams were level on points, so in a way this was the de facto final of the season, which Honvéd won 2-0. In 1990 MTK won their first league game at Bozsik-Stadium since 1970, after securing a 2-1 victory in the 19th district. That season, the white and blues came unbelievably close to another league title, and were leading the table 3 points ahead of UTE with one game to go. However, MTK suffered a 2-1 loss to Vác, while Újpest defeated Honvéd to win the league.

In 1991 Honvéd won the league for the seventh time in 11 years, after finishing 5 points above Ferencváros. The red and blacks defeated MTK 2-1 on the last day of the season. In 1993 the red and blues won their second league-title of the decade, while MTK finished 4th. The following season, MTK were relegated from the top-flight, but would return a year later. In 1997 MTK won the top-flight for the first time in a decade, finishing 9 points above Újpest, Honvéd achieved a 7th-place finish. When Honvéd hosted the already confirmed champions MTK in April, fans of Honvéd held up a banner reading: You can be hungarian champions, but you will never be hungarian in reference to the club's jewish roots. In 1999 MTK won another championship. Between 1997 and 1999, Budapest Honvéd produces three consecutive finishes outside the top10, which was unprecedented in the club's history.

In 2003 MTK won their 22nd top-flight title, while Honvéd finished 11th and were relegated for the first time in almost a century. They regained their NB1 status the following season, after winning NB2. In May 2007 Honvéd defeated MTK at the Bozsik-stadium for the first time in 6 years, winning 2-1. In October of that year, the red and blacks recorded their first win at Hungária Körút since 1995, with the same scoreline, 2-1. In 2008 MTK won their last championship to date, finishing 2 points above DVSC, whom they had finished runners-up to the season prior.

In 2011 MTK were relegated from the top-flight after 15 years. Their relegation was confirmed on the penultimate day of the season, where despite winning 3-0 at Pápa's Perutz Stadion, the club were officially relegated. They returned the following season as champions of NB2. The club would suffer 3 further relegations during the decade (2017,2019,2021), but would always achieve promotion first time trying. In March 2015, MTK recorded what remains to this day their last win at Bozsik-Stadium, winning 0-2, after scoring 2 goals in 4 minutes. In February 2017 Honvéd won their first game at Hidegkúti Nándor Stadium in 10 years. The red and blacks would go on to be champions at the end of the season, claiming the trophy after 15 years.

In 2022 Honvéd were relegated from the top-flight for the first time in 19 years.

MTK Vs. Vasas

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MTK and Vasas are two of the most decorated clubs in the capital, having won a total of 43 national honours between them. The clubs are based in the 8th and 13th districts of Budapest repsectively. The sides first met in the top-flight in 1916 with MTK winning 4-0 at Hungária Körút. The rivalry was fairly one-sided until the 1950's. While MTK won championships in all of the first four decades of the century, and had amassed 11 titles by the 1940's, Vasas were relegated from the 1st Division in 1932 and would spend the next decade there.

In August of 1945 Vasas claimed their first home victory over MTK in the league, after winning 5‐2. Between 1946 and 1949 MTK was unable to win against Vasas a single time. The streak was broken in December of 1949, after MTK beat vasas 0-2 at Vasas' stadium with a brace from István Szolnok. In 1951 MTK won their first championship in 14 years, while Vasas finished 4th. In 1953 the title returned to MTK again, while Vasas achieved their second bronze-medal finish. The 1957 season featured a shortened schedule of just 11 games, and there were no relegations at the end of the season, due to the turmoil caused by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. MTK and Vasas played each other in the penultimate game of the season, with MTK beating Vasas 3-2 at the Népstadion. In spite of this, Vasas finished 1 point above MTK, and claimed their first ever hungarian championship under coach Lajos Baróti. The following season MTK won the league again, with Vasas finishing 5th. In May of 1959, the two teams contested the highest ever attended fixture between the two, with 80.000 people cramming in to the Népstadion to watch them play. Vasas won the game 2-1 after a brace from Raduly.

In 1961 Vasas won the league, after finishing 4 points above Újpest, and 6 points above MTK. The following season the club from the 13th district retained their title, after finishing 2 points above FTC. Vasas and MTK met on the last day of the season at the Népstadion, and played an enthralling 2-2. In September of 1964 Vasas beat MTK 6-2 in a memorable game. Lajos Puskás scored 4 goals. In 1965 Vasas won their third championship, and beat MTK twice over the season, 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. In 1966 the red and blues retained their title, finishing 6 points above FTC. Between 1964 and 1968, there was a 7-game period where MTK was winless against Vasas in the league. This beat MTK's previous, 6-game winless run against Vasas, occuring in the '40's. The string of bad results was broken in August of 1968, after MTK defeated Vasas 4-2.

In 1975 Vasas beat MTK for the first time in 4 years, after overcoming the white and blues 4-2. This was Vasas' first home win against MTK since 1968. In June of 1977 Vasas recorded their first win at Hungária Körút since 1971, after defeating MTK 1-2. Three games later Vasas won their sixth national title, which remains their most recent one.

In 1981 MTK were relegated for the first time in 40 years, but would return to NB1 after one season. In 1985 MTK defeated Vasas in the league for the first time in 7 years. Imre Fodor scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory for the white and blues at Hungária Körút. In 1987 MTK won the league for the first time since 1958, being 3 points clear Újpest. Vasas finished 6th. In May of 1990 Vasas defeated MTK 2-1, with a late goal from László Gubucz.

In 1997 MTK won the league just 2 years after gaining promotion from NB2. Vasas finished 4th, 19 points off the champions. In May of 1998 Vasas defeated MTK in the league for the first time in four years. The club from Angyalföld overcame MTK 1-0 at the 13th district with a goal from Zalán Zombori. Vasas finished 3rd at the end of the season, 6 points above MTK. In 1999 MTK won the league again, while Vasas achieved a 6th place finish. In 2000 the clubs finished within 2 points of each other, with MTK finishing 2nd, while Vasas achieving another 3rd place finish. MTK handed Vasas their only home loss of the autumn part of the campaign, defeating the red and blues 2-1 at Fáy Street in October of 1999. In May of 2000 the two teams met in the Népstadiom for the first time in over two and a half decades, as MTK defeated Vasas 3-1 in the final of the Hungarian Cup. In October of 2000 Vasas defeated MTK at Hungária Körút for the first time in 7 years. The red and blues won 2-1.

In 2001 Vasas achieved a 3rd place finish, while MTK finished 6th. The next season, after an incredible drop in their form, Vasas performed very poorly. The red and blues started off the season with a 0-1 loss to MTK, and lost all of their first six games. The side would eventually only win one home game all season, and were relegated for the first time since 1945. In 2003 MTK won their 22nd Hungarian Championship, finishing 2 points above Ferencváros. The same year Vasas folded for a brief period of time, before being bought by János Jánmbor. The club was ejected from NB2, but after buying the 2nd division license of Kecskemét, the team found itself back in NB2 in 2004, from where they were promoted after one year. In November of 2004 the teams met again after almost three years, with Vasas defeating MTK 3-1. Despite this, MTK ended up having a much better season, finishing 4th, while Vasas finished 3 points above relegation. In September of 2006 MTK defeated Vasas at Fáy Street for the first time in 5 years. The white and blues obliterated Vasas 5-1, with Krisztián Németh scoring a hat-trick in 18 minutes. In 2008 MTK won the hungarian top-flight, breaking DVSC's hegemony. With 4 games to go, MTK hosted Vasas, who handed them one of only two defeats the 8th district side suffered at home. Vasas won the game 2-0. This was also the Angyalföld team's first occasion of winning at Hungária Körút in eight years.

In September of 2010 MTK defeated Vasas 4-0. In the 2010's both sides were plagued by numerous relegations. In 2011 MTK were relegated, but managed to gain promotion via first time trying. The following season, Vasas suffered relegation, and spent the ensuing 3 seasons in NB2. In 2015, Vasas were promoted as champions, and the two teams met in the top-flight again after 4 years in August. MTK won the game 0-1 with an '85 minute goal from Lóránd Szatmári. In 2016 Vasas ended their winless streak against MTK both at Fáy street and at Hungária Körút. The 13th district club defeated MTK 0-2 in April at Hungária Körút for the first time in 6 years. In October, Vasas recorded their first home victory over MTK since 2009, after winning 3-2 in a game where all 5 goals were scored before the 32nd minute mark. At the end of the season Vasas finished 3rd, while MTK were relegated. In 2018 Vasas were relegated to NB2, while MTK returned to the top-flight, where they stayed for one season before finishing 11th in 2019. In September of 2019 the Vasas-MTK fixture took place in the 2nd division for the first time since 1940, with MTK winning 4-1 at Fáy Street.

Western derbies

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Szombathelyi Haladás–Zalaegerszegi TE rivalry

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Szombathelyi Haladás vs. Zalaegerszeg[4] Two of the biggest teams in the Western part of the country, Haladás and Zalaegerszeg consider each other their biggest rivals. Located in Vas and Zala county, respectively, which is roughly an hour drive away from each other. Adding to the ferocity of the rivalry is the fact, that while Haladás' fans tend to sympathize with fans of Újpest, Zalaegerszeg fans have an over decade-long friendship with fanatics of Ferencváros. Haladás and ZTE have met in 55 top-flight games, with Haladás winning 15 of them, while ZTE having won 20 encounters.

The two rivals' first encounter took place in the 2nd Division, in 1960, which Haladás won 0-1. In 1973, the teams met in the top-flight for the first time, with Zalaegerszeg winning 2-0 in front of 15,000 fans. In September 1977, Haladás beat ZTE 5-1, in the highest-scoring game in the "Western El-Clásico" up to that point. In 1978, ZTE managed to defeat Haladás away, for the first time in their history, after a 0-1 victory. In 1979, ZTE defeated Haladás 6-1.

In 1982, Haladás got their first victory in Egerszeg in the first division. In 1986, an incident occurred after Zalaegerszeg played a 1-1 draw against their hated rivals. After the match, according to eyewitnesses, some Haladás fans started chasing ZTE fans, with one Zalaegerszeg fan stepping out in front of a car while fleeing. The fan was run over and died in hospital 4 days later.

In 1990, the teams met in the 2nd Division again, after nearly 3 decades, and played a spectacular 3-3 draw. Both teams were promoted back to the top division after a single season as they both finished in the top 2 of the western conference of the 2nd Division, with Haladás beating out their blue and white rivals to the first place by a single point. This was the western green and whites' seventh 2nd division title. In 1993, the two western rivals played each other in what remains their last 2nd Division encounter, with Haladás beating ZTE 0-2. Zalaegerszeg have never beaten Haladás in a 2nd Division game, having played them 8 times, losing 7, and drawing one game. Also in 1993, Haladás advanced to the final of the Hungarian Cup, where they were bested by Ferencváros through penalties. In 1996, now back in the top-flight, ZTE managed to defeat Haladás in Szombathely, for the first time since 1979, scoring a 1-0 victory in front of 10,000 fans. In 1999, Haladás defeated ZTE 0-1, at the ZTE-Arena. The green and whites have not defeated the team from Zala-county in their own backyard ever since.

In the 2001/02 season, ZTE became the first western Hungarian team since Győri ETO in 1983, to win the league. In the same season, their green and white counterparts reached the final of the Hungarian Cup, where they lost 1-2 to Újpest, after conceding a goal in the 120th minute. In the league, Haladás finished 11th, and were relegated, but would make a swift return to the highest division in 2003. In 2004, ZTE defeated Lombard FC Haladás 7-0, the highest-margin victory in the history of the "Western El-Clásico". Róbert Waltner scored 5 goals within less than 60 minutes. Haladás achieved their best ever league position in the 2008/09 season, after the team finished 3rd.

In 2011, Haladás defeated ZTE at home in the league, for the first time since 1996. The last time the two sides met in the top-flight was in March 2012, which ended in a 1-1 draw. ZTE were promptly relegated at the end of the season, and by the time they were promoted again, in 2019, Haladás just so happened to suffer a relegation, and have not been back in the NB1 ever since. In 2023, ZTE won the Hungarian cup for the first time in their history, after defeating Budafok. More recently, the sides met in the 2023/24 Hungarian cup, with ZTE eliminating their inter-county rivals. In the 2020s, financial problems have been hindering Haladás' success on the pitch, with the team officially folding in 2024. Their legacy will be survived by their academy, Haladás VSE, who compete in the 4th tier of Hungarian football.

Győri ETO FC–Fehérvár FC rivalry

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Győr vs. Fehérvár

the two most decorated football clubs in Western Hungary, Győri ETO and Fehérvár have a rivalry, which dates back to the 1950s. The two sides have met 95 times in the 1st Division, with ETO winning 37, and Videoton having won 30 of the match-ups.

The very first time Győr and Videoton played each other was in 1957, in the 2nd Division. ETO won the match 0-1. The sides would play 3 more games in the 2nd division, with ETO winning all of them, before finally meeting in the top-flight in 1968. By this time, Győri ETO were one-time Hungarian champions, and had won the Hungarian cup three times, in three consecutive years. Videoton won the game 1-0, with a goal from Karsai, and thus defeated Győr for the first time. In 1975, Videoton defeated Győr 0-2 at the Vagongyári field in Győr, claiming their first ever away victory over their green and white rivals.

In the 1980s, Eto and Videoton were competing to become the biggest team in Western Hungary, with Eto completely surpassing Videoton on a domestic level in the decade. However, Videoton fared better in international competitions. In 1982 Győr defeated Videoton at the Sóstói stadion for the first time ever in the 1st Division, defeating them 1-5. Győr won back-to-back national titles in 1982 and 1983. Videoton could only manage two league victories against Eto in the entire decade, in 1980, and 1988. In 1985, Videoton reached the final of the UEFA-Cup, where they lost 3-0 to Real Madrid.

In 1990, Videoton defeated Győr 1-0 at the Sóstói stadion, for the first time since 1980. In 1999, Videoton were relegated for the first time in 31 years, but got promoted after just one season. In the 2000s decade, it was Videoton, who was outperforming their rivals, as opposed to previous decades. In 2001, Videoton recorded their first win against Győr since 1992, after defeating them 4-1. In 2003, Videoton defeated Győr at the ETO-Stadion 0-4, for the first time since 1988. In 2006, Videoton won the Hungarian Cup, collecting their first ever domestic trophy. The same year, ETO defeated Videoton at home for the first time since 2000. In 2009, Videoton defeated Győr at the ETO-Park in what remains their most recent win at the ground. Videoton won the league-cup in back-to-back years, in 2008 and 2009, and became Hungarian champions for the first time ever, in 2011, after finishing 5 points above Paks, also winning the super-cup that year.

In May 2010, Győr took on Videoton in the last round of the season, and defeated them 1-0. Had Videoton won the game, they would have been champions, as they finished 1 point behind DVSC. In 2012, Győr managed to defeat Videoton in Fehérvár for the first time since 2002. At the end of the 2012/13 season, Győri-ETO were crowned champions, for the first time since 1983. In 2015, the rivalry came to an abrupt halt in humiliating fashion for Győr; due to financial inaptitude at the club, the green and white side did not get the first division permit that is needed to be able to play top-flight football, and from the next season onwards, they would be playing in the western conference of the country's third tier. In the very same season, Videoton claimed their second league-title, which they would follow up with another title, in 2018. In 2024, after spending 9 years in the lower divisions of Hungary, Győri-ETO were promoted to the top-flight again. In October of the same year, the two teams met in the top-flight for the first time in nearly a decade, and Győri-ETO defeated Videoton 3-1. This was the Rába-coast's team's first victory on home soil over Fehérvár since 2011.

Gyirmót Vs. Győr

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Győr derby:

Győr vs. Gyirmót

Despite being located within 10 kilometers of each other, Eto and Gyirmót have only been regarding each other as rivals since the 2010s. Győr spent much of the '60's and '80's winning silverware, winning the league title in 1963, 1982 and 1983, and winning the cup on three occasions in the 60's, and they even reached the semi-final of the 1965 European Cup, but lost to Benfica.

Gyirmót were constantly featured in the 6th and 7th tier of Hungarian football, and the first time they reached the 5th division, was in 1998. By 2006 the team was competing in the 2nd tier. In 2015, Győri-ETO did not receive the license to play top-flight football, and the team started the 2015/16 season in the 3rd tier. In 2016, Gyirmót were promoted to the NB1 for the first time in their history, but were relegated after just one season, where they collected 24 points.

In November 2017, ETO and Gyirmót finally played their first professional encounter in the 2nd division. Gyirmót won the encounter 2‐0. The teams would meet every season until the 2021/22 campaign. In 2019, ETO claimed their first victory over their county-rivals, after defeating the blue and yellows 1‐0. In 2021, Gyirmót were promoted to the top-flight again, after finishing 2nd in the 2nd Division, while Győr finished the season 12th. Gyirmót were relegated after just one season again, finishing 6 points off safety. In 2022, the sides met again, for the first time in a year and a half, with Gyirmót claiming a 0‐2 victory at the ETO-Park. In 2023, Gyirmót defeated Győr 4‐0, surpassing their previous highest margin of victory, a 4‐1 dismantling of Győr in November 2020. Also in 2023, Győr achieved their first win at Gyirmót's Alcufer stadium, defeating the yellow and blue's 2‐3. In 2024 Győr were promoted to the top-flight again, after finishing 2nd, while Gyirmót finished 6th.


Zalaegerszeg Vs. Győr

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Győr and Zalaegerszeg, although don't consider each other as their main rivals, have a long history of playing each other, going all the way back to the 1950's. Since both teams are located in the Western part of Hungary, there is no love lost between the fanbases.

The first time the teams met was in 1957, in the 2nd Division. Zalaegerszeg won the game 4-2. In 1958 Győr took their revenge, as they beat ZTE 2-0.

In 1960 Győr won the eastern conference of the 2nd tier and gained promotion to the top-flight, which they won in 1963 for the first time in their history. The sides didn't meet again until Zalaegerszeg achieved promotion in 1972.

In December 1972 the two teams met in the 1st division for the first time, with ETO winning 2-1. In March 1973 Zalaegerszeg defeated Győr 2-1. Zalaegerszeg achieved a remarkable 6th place finish in their inaugural NB1 season, 2 places above Győr.

In the 1975/76 season the teams were separated by just 2 points, as Zalaegerszeg finished 10th, while ETO finished one position below. In September 1976 Győr recordes their first win at ZTE-Aréna, courtesy of Róbert Glázer's goal.

During the December 1979 meeting of the sides, ZTE player István Soós scored a brace within just one minute, in the 3rd and 4th minutes of the game. ZTE won the match 3-2.



Eastern derbies

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Debreceni VSC–Diósgyőri VTK rivalry

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Debreceni VSC and Diósgyőri VTK are the two most decorated teams in eastern Hungary. Due to the teams' matching colors, red and white, and their shared hatred of Ferencváros, Újpest and Nyíregyháza, the fans of the respective clubs maintain an amicable and friendly relationship. DVSC were founded in 1902, while DVTK were born in 1910. Both teams dominated their respective divisions of the county championship, with Debrecen winning the Eastern division of the county championship 6 times between 1918 and 1926. Likewise, Diósgyőr were champions of the Northern division, and later of the eastern Hungarian 1st division (which counts as a 2nd division trophy) 16 times between 1912 and 1937.

The two red and white teams from the east met for the first time in 1938, in the 2nd division. Diósgyőri MáVag defeated Debrenei VSC 4-2 in Miskolc. DVTK reached the 1st division for the first time in history in 1940, while DVSC joined them three years later. In 1943, the two teams faced off in the 1st division for the first time ever, and Debrecen got their first victory in the Eastern Derby, defeating Diósgyőr 6-2 at the Diószeg Road Field. Gyula Szilágyi scored a hat-trick. In 1945, DVTK defeated DVSC in the top-flight for the first time, beating their red and white counterparts 3-2. In 1946, DVTK were relegated from the top-flight, as were Debrecen in 1948, who managed to return to the top-flight for one season before being relegated again.

In the 1950s, Diósgyőr were constantly moving between divisions. They were promoted as champions of NB2 in 1950, and spent 3 seasons in the top-flight, until another relegation in 1952. In 1953, DVTK won their second 2nd division trophy, but would only remain in the top-flight for 2 seasons. In 1956, after spending only one season in the 2nd division, DVTK were promoted as champions again. Meanwhile, Debrecen spent the entire decade in the 2nd Division.

In 1960, Debreceni VSC reached the top-flight for the first time in 10 years, after gaining promotion as champions. The sides met in the 1st division again after 14 years, as DVSC beat Diósgyőr 3-0. In June 1961, Debrecen recorded their first win in Miskolc, after a memorable 4-7 encounter. Lajos Puskás and Tamás Kertész both scored a hat-trick. As the teams finished 13th and 14th, both were relegated from the 1st Division. DVSC earned promotion as champions in 1962, while Diósgyőr returned in 1963, netting their fourth 2nd division title. Both clubs were relegated at the end of the 1964 season. In 1965, Debrecen recorded their first home win over DVTK in the 2nd Division, beating them 1-0. At the end of the season, Diósgyőr were promoted to the top-flight. In 1967, DVSC suffered a relegation from the 2nd Division after finishing last. They would return to NB2 in 1970.

In 1973, DVTK were relegated from the top division after 8 continuous seasons, and the clubs met again in the 2nd division, for the first time in 8 years, and played a 2-2 draw. In 1974, Diósgyőr beat DVSC for the first time since 1965, after defeating them 2-0 with goals from Egri and Salamon. At the end of the season, DVTK finished as champions, and returned to NB1 after one year. In 1979 Debrecen gained promotion as champions, meaning they would play in the top-flight again after 15 years. In March 1980, DVTK defeated DVSC in the 1st Division for the first time since 1945, beating the fellow eastern club 2-0, with goals from Tatár and Oláh.

In 1983, despite finishing level on points with Videoton and Pécs, Debrecen suffered another relegation due to their worse goal difference. DVTK produced their tied-worst season in the 1st Division in 1984, after accumulating 12 points throughout the season, and were relegated to NB2. That season Debrecen were promoted after a 2nd-place finish, and would spend the following 4 years in the top-flight. In October 1988, DVSC beat Diósgyőr in Miskolc in a 2nd division ficture for the first time ever, after winning 1-0 with a goal from Márton István. In 1989, Debrecen won their sixth 2nd Division title and were promoted to the top-flight. In 1991, DVTK finished 1 point off champions BVSC, and played a play-off tie against Szeged, which they won 3-2 on aggregate to return to the 1st Division after 7 years. In the same season, Debreceni Vasutas finished 14th, and had also had to play a play-off fixture, against ZTE. Debrecen lost 2-3 on aggregate, and were relegated.

In 1993, Debrecen gained promotion to 1st division as champions after finishing 6 points above Hatvan. 1993 was also the year of DVTK's relegation to NB2, as the red and whites finished 14th, and lost the play-off 1-5 on aggregate to Sopron. In 1996, Diósgyőr finished 3rd and played another play-off tie for NB1. They took on Videoton, known at the time as Fehérvár Parmalat '96 FC. After losing the away tie 1-2, DVTK were leading 2-1 in the rematch until the '96th minute, but Fehérvár managed to find a late equaliser, making it 2-2. DVTK were eventually promoted in 1997, overcoming 3. Kerületi TVE 2-1 on aggregate. In November 1997, Diósgyőr and Debrecen faced each other in the top-flight for the first time since 1983. DVTK beat DVSC 2-0 at the DVTK-Stadium, with goals from Varga and Kákóczki. In May 1998, Debrecen defeated DVTK 2-1. Diósgyőr were 0-1 up until the '85th minute, when Debrecen were awarded a penalty, which Ilea Nicolea converted. 3 minutes later "Loki" took the lead courtesy of Zoltán Kiss, and ended up winning their first game against DVTK since 1989. In 1999, DVSC won the Hungarian cup for the first time in their history, after overcoming Tatabánya 2-1. This would be the start of Debrecen's ascension to the top of Hungarian football.

In March 2000, Debrecen recorded their first win in Miskolc at the top-flight since 1964. In 2000, Diósgyőr were relegated from the top-flight, and disbanded for a brief period of time. The fans of DVTK, well known for their passion and undying loyalty towards the club, founded the club again. Initially, the team would play in the 7th division, but thanks to a merger with Borsod Volán SE, they were playing in NB3 by 2001. In 2001, DVSC won their second Hungarian cup, after obliterating Videoton 5-2 in the final. In 2004, DVTK returned to the top-flight and the eastern derby took place again after nearly 5 years, in August. DVSC defeated DVTK 0-2. In 2005, DVSC became the first eastern Hungarian team to win the 1st division, after finishing 6 points above Ferencváros. They also won the 2005 Hungarian Supercup. In 2006, DVSC won their second consecutive league-title, Supercup, after finishing 3 points above Újpest, and defeating Videoton 2-1 in the final. In 2007, DVSC became the first team from eastern Hungary, and outside of the capital to complete a 3-peat of championships, finishing 8 points above MTK. The Lokomotív also became the first team to win three consecutive Supercups, defeating Honvéd 3-0 in the final. In 2007, the Eastern Derby also took place in the semi-final of the Hungarian Cup, where eventual winners DVSC eliminated Diósgyőr, beating them 3-2 on aggregate. In 2008, DVSC won the Hungarian Cup, defeating Honvéd 2-1. In November 2008, DVTK recorded their first ever top-flight victory in Debrecen, after a 1-2 victory at Oláh Gábor street. In 2009, Debrecen won their fourth league-title, finishing 9 points above Újpest. They also won their fourth Supercup, defeating Honvéd in the final, for a third time in 2 years.

In 2010, the two teams finished on opposites end of the table, within 45 points of each other. Debrecen won their fifth league-title after finishing 1 point above Videoton. Diósgyőr finished bottom of the league, only winning 4 games throughout the season and were relegated to NB2. The following season, DVSC finished fifth, while DVTK were promoted from the 2nd Division as champions. In 2012, Debreceni VSC won the 1st Division undefeated, and spent all 30 weeks of the season in first place. DVTK finished 7th. In 2014, DVSC won their seventh top-flight title, due to their better goal difference after finishing on equal points with Győri-ETO. In 2017, DVTK defeated DVSC 3-2, their first win in the Eastern derby since 2009.

In 2020, DVSC were relegated from the 1st Division after 17 years. In 2021, DVTK suffered relegation after their longest uninterrupted stay in the top-flight, while Debrecen won NB2, and gained promotion. In 2023, Diósgyőr won the 2nd Division, and the Eastern Derby returned to the top-flight in September 2023, with Diósgyőr winning 3-1. In August 2024, DVTK won their first league game at DVSC's stadium for the first time since 2008, after a 0-1 victory at the Nagyerdei Stadium.

Diósgyőr vs. Mezőkövesd[7]

Diósgyőr are the most successful club of Borsod county (and the entire North-East of Hungary), having won 12 second division titles, 2 Hungarian cups and a leaguecup. Mezőkövesd were founded in 1979, and reached the first division for the first time in 2013. A widespread chant which can be heard during any DVTK fixture, especially during the Borsod-county derby, which goes:"Borsod-county is red and white", referring to the colors of the team.

The teams first met in the 2010/11 Eastern Conference of the 2nd Division season, and Mezőkövesd won both encounters of the season, winning 1‐3 in Miskolc, and 1‐0 in Mezőkövesd becoming the only team in the 2nd division to do the "double" over DVTK. The sides' second clash of the year was the game Diósgyőr were confirmed as champions. Despite defeat, it had become mathematically impossible for the red and whites to finish below 1st place, as Nyíregyháza also lost 1-0 to Vác. DVTK only lost 6 games throughout the season, and would achieve promotion to the 1st division, while Mezőkövesd finished 2nd, 6 points off Diósgyőr.

In 2013, Mezőkövesd were promoted to the top-flight as champions for the first time in their history, after finishing 5 points above Vasas. The Borsod-county derby took place in the 1st Division for the first time in October 2013, when Diósgyőr beat Mezőkövesd for the first time, winning in a 5‐0 shutout victory. In April 2014, DVTK defeated the yellow and blues 1‐0 at the Városi Stadion, in Mezőkövesd, with a '90th-minute goal from Patrik Bacsa. In 2015, Mezőkövesd were relegated after finishing 15th, but would gain promotion after a 2nd-place finish the following season.

In 2017, Mezőkövesd beat DVTK in a top-flight game for the first time in their history, managing a 3‐0 victory over the city of steel at the Városi Stadion. Between October 2015, and May 2018, Diósgyőr would play a number of its home games in Mezőkövesd, while the new DVTK-Stadium was under construction. The first ever game played at the DVTK-Stadium was the Borsod-county derby, in may of 2018. Mezőkövesd defeated DVTK 1‐0, after a penalty converted by future DVTK-player, Asmir Suljic, giving the yellow and blues their first victory in Miskolc in 8 years, and their first ever in the top-flight. For the next year and a half, DVTK would not beat MZSSE a single time, with the team from Matyóföld.

In September 2018, Mezőkövesd beat DVTK 4‐2 in the highest-scoring Borsod-derby. In August 2019, Mezőkövesd recorded their win of highest margin at the DVTK-Stadium, after a 3‐0 victory. The defeat prompted fans of Diósgyőr to boycott the team's upcoming games by not attending, and would only return in November, against another eastern hungarian side, Kisvárda. In December of 2019, Diósgyőr beat Mezőkövesd at the Városi Stadion for the first time in 5 years, with an '89 minute goal from Rui Pedro. In 2020, Mezőkövesd produced their highest-ever finish in the 1st division, after sitting 4th place at the end of the season. In 2021, DVTK were relegated from the top-flight after 11 seasons. They would be promoted as champions in 2023, and the derby took place again, after a two and a half year hiatus, with Diósgyőr defeating Mezőkövesd 2‐4 in August. DVTK would win all three encounters between the borsod-county rivals of the 2023/24 season and Mezőkövesd were relegated after 8 years, their longest ever continuous stay in the top-flight. Across the top 2 divisions of Hungarian football, DVTK and Mezőkövesd met 22 times, with Diósgyőr winning 9, while Mezőkövesd won 8.

Nyíregyháza vs. Kisvárda

Nyíregyháza Spartacus were founded in 1928, and spent the first 5 decades of existence in the lower leagues of the Hungarian football pyramid. In 1976, they were playing in the 5th tier, however, after achieving an incredible 4 promotions (3 of which were as champions) in 5 years, they reached the top-flight for the first time in 1980. The eastern red and blues would produce their best ever 1st division season, achieving a 7th-place finish in the 1980/81 season. In 1984, Nyíregyháza were relegated from the 1st division, after what whould be their longest continuous stay in the top-flight. In 1992 Nyíregyháza returned to the NB1 for a single season, but the club finished 15th, after only accumulating 18 points. In 1997 Nyíregyháza were promoted as champions of the 2nd Division. This time, the club spent 3 seasons in the 1st Division, before being relegated in 2000. In 2004 Nyíregyháza returned to the top-flight, but would only spend a single seasom there before being relegated again. The club finished 15th, winning 5 games throughout the entire season. In 2007 Nyíregyháza returned to the 1st division under coach György Gálhidi, after claiming their third 2nd division title. The club didn't lose a single game at the Városi Stadion, and finished 4 points above Ferencváros, whom they drew 1-1 with at Üllő Út. Attila Moltvai became the first player of the club to score against Ferencváros at their own backyard in the 21st century. In 2010 Spartacus were relegated from the 1st division.

Kisvárda were founded in 2004, and started off in the 6th tier of Hungarian football. They gained three consecutive promotions, and found themselves in the 3rd tier by 2008. They were relegated from NB3 after one season, but would reach the division again in 2011.

The clubs first met in the 2nd Division, in November 2013. Nyíregyháza won the match 1-0 with a goal from club legend Péter Bajzát. At the end of the 2013/14 season, Nyíregyháza gained promotion to the top-flight as champions, while Kisvárda finished level on points with Cegléd, but were relegated. The following season, glory and despair would be tasted on opposing sides of Szabolcs-county. While Kisvárda won the 3rd division, and gained promotion to NB2, Nyíregyháza would not get the license needed to be eligible to play top-flight games, and would start the following season in the Eastern Conference of the 3rd Division.

Nyíregyháza would return to the 2nd Division, after winning the Eastern Conference in 2016, and the Szabolcs-county derby took place again in October of that year. The game ended 1-1 at the Várkert Sportpálya, as András Gosztonyi became the first Kisvárda player to score against Nyíregyháza in the league. At the end of the 2016/17 2nd Division season Kisvárda finished 4 points off promotion-worthy 2nd place, while Nyíregyháza finished 12th. In April 2018 the two teams played their highest-scoring match ever, a 2‐2. By the '35 minute mark, Nyíregyháza were already 0-2 up at the Várkert, but after the home side pulled one back, Nyíregyháza conceded an own goal in the '82th minute, from Márk Farkas. At the end of the season, Kisvárda were promoted, and reached the top-flight for the first time in their history, while Nyíregyháza finished 5th. This was the last time up to this day the two teams met.

In 2022, Kisvárda finished 2nd in the 1st Division after a remarkable season. The red and whites only lost 2 home games, and became the first team from Szabolcs-county to achieve a top 3 finish in the highest division. That season Nyíregyháza finished 10th in the 2nd Division, and were on the cusp of relegation in the 2022/23 season, but survived after finishing 18th. The following season, through a miraculous turnaround, Nyíregyháza won their fifth 2nd Division title, and returned to the top-flight after a 9-year long hiatus. That season Kisvárda finished 11th, and were relegated from the top-flight, where they had been since 2018.

Debrecen - Békéscsaba rivalry

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Debrecen and Békéscsaba are located within 130 km of each other. The clubs first met in 1942, in the 2nd division, after Békéscsaba achieved back-to back promotions. In March 1943, Debrecen defeated Békéscsaba 8-1. The red and whites ended up winning the division that season, earning promotion to the top-flight for the first time in history. In 1945, Békéscsaba would follow suit, but their stay only lasted one season, as they finished 12th. The clubs' first meetings in the 1st division took place that season, with Debrecen defeating Békéscsaba 6-1, and 3-6 in December and May respectively. DVSC suffered 2 relegations in 3 years, after finishing 16th in 1948, the club won the 2nd division in the ensuing season, only to finish last, and get relegated again, in 1950.

Since DVSC were assigned to the eastern, while Békéscsaba competed in the southern conference of the 2nd division, the teams would not meet in the 1950s. The eastern purples, although came close to promotion, finishing 3rd in 1952 and 2nd in 1954, would spend the majority of the decade in the 2nd division, before ultimately being relegated to NB3 in 1958. DVSC spent the entire 50's in NB2, before gaining promotion to the top-flight after 10 years in 1960.

the 60's were a tumultuous time for Debrecen, as they were constantly changing divisions. In 1961, just one year after promotion, the side was relegated to the 2nd division again, but would win the 1962 season of NB2, and return to the top-flight. They spent the following 3 seasons in NB1, until they finished 13th, and got relegated again in 1964. The club spent three seasons in the 2nd Division, before finishing bottom of the table in 1967, and were relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history. DVSC's relegation enabled the two rivals to meet for the first time in over 2 decades. Debrecen defeated Békéscsaba 2-1 in the 3rd division. In October 1968 Békéscsaba recorded their first ever league win over Debrecen, defeating the red and whites 3-0. Békéscsaba were promoted at the end of the season, ascending from the 3rd tier after spending 10 seasons there, while Debrecen finished 4th. The following season, Debrecen won the division, and returned to the 2nd tier.

the 1970 NB1/B (2nd division) season was the first of its kind to feature both Békéscsaba and Debrecen since 1943. In March 1970, Békéscsaba defeated DVSC 2-0, in what was their first NB2 win over the Lokomotív. In October of the same year, the purple and whites achieved their first victory in Debrecen, after overcoming DVSC 0-2 at Vágóhíd street stadium. Békéscsaba also beat Debrecen in the 2nd game of the season between the two, defeating DVSC 2-1 at Kórház street stadium. This was the first season where Békéscsaba achieved "the double" over Debrecen (meaning they beat them both games in a season). In 1972, Debrecen came very close to promotion, but lost 4-1 to Békéscsaba on the penultimate day of the season, and the runners-up spot eventually went to Zalaegerszeg, whom DVSC finished 6 points behind. In 1974 Békéscsaba finished 2nd, 1 point off champions DVTK, and were promoted to the top-flight after 3 decades. DVSC, on the other hand, finished just 1 point above relegation, thanks to a 1-1 draw against Budapesti Spartacus on the last day of the season. In 1978, Debrecen finished 3rd, 1 point off promotion, but the following season the club won the eastern conference of NB2, 7 points above rivals Nyíregyháza, and were promoted to the top-flight after a 15-year hiatus. In December 1979, Békéscsaba took on Debrecen in the 1st division for the first time since 1946. The game ended 2-2.

In October 1980, Békéscsaba recorded their first top-flight victory over DVSC. After a brace from Béla Melis, Békéscsaba won 2-0. In the opening set of matches in the 1980/81 NB1 season, DVSC hosted their purple rivals, in front of 14,000 fans, who beat them 2-4. This was Békéscsaba's first top-flight away victory in Debrecen. In October 1982 DVSC defeated Békéscsaba for the first time in 10 years, due to a brace from György Kerekes. Kerekes would score 6 league goals for DVSC against Békéscsaba throughout his career. In 1983 both clubs were relegated from the top-flight; Békéscsaba finished last, after only winning 5 games during the season, while DVSC finished level on points with Pécs (whom they beat 2-3 in the last round) and Videoton, but were relegated because of their goaldifference. This was Békéscsaba's longest uninterrupted stay in the top-flight. In the 1984 NB2 season, the two clubs would both return to the top-flight, after spending just one year in the 2nd Division. DVSC finished 2nd, 2 points off champions Eger, while Békéscsaba, who scored 92 goals throughout the season, and didn't lose a single home game (also beating DVSC 4-1 in Békéscsaba) finished 3rd, 1 point behind Debrecen. In March 1985 Békéscsaba recorded a famous 5-3 victory at Debrecen's Nagyerdei Stadium. The purple and white side were 4-0 up by the '40 minute mark, and scored 5 goals in Debrecen for the first time ever, surpassing their previous record set in 1981, when they beat DVSC 2-4. In 1988 Debrecen were relegated from the top-flight again, after finishing 15th, losing 3-0 to Vác on the last day of the season. Békéscsaba's first division stint was in jeopardy as well, but the club beat DVSC 0-2 on the penultimate day, and secured their spot in the top-flight after beating champions Honvéd 1-0 on the last day of the season. 15,000 Békéscsaba fanatics were present The clubs also met in the round of 16 of the 1988 Hungarian Cup, where Békéscsaba came from behind to win 4-1, and knock Debrecen out. Békéscsaba would go on to win the cup, for the first and only time in their history. In 1989, DVSC claimed their sixth 2nd division title, and returned to the top-flight.

In March of 1991 Debrecen recorded their first top-flight victory over Békéscsaba in 9 years, defeating the eastern purple and whites 2-1. The two rivals were simultaneously relegated from the top-flight again at the end of the season. Both club's fates were sealed on the last day of the season. Békéscsaba lost 1-0 to Újpest, and finished 15th, while DVSC beat the already relegated Volán SC 3-0, but still finished 14th. Debrecen played a play-off tie against Zalaegerszeg to keep their 1st division membership, but lost 2-3 on aggregate after extra time. The following season Békéscsaba won their first 2nd division title since 1945 and returned to the top-flight. They won the league on the last day, winning 2-1 at Bagi. In April of 1992 Debreceni VSC defeated Békéscsaba 0-1 at Kórház street stadium, with a goal by Tamás Sándor. This was Debrecen's first ever 2nd division victory in Békéscsaba. In 1993 DVSC won the 2nd Division, and returned to NB1. In August of 1993 Debrecen defeated Békéscsaba 1-2, recording their first top-flight victory in Békéscsaba since 1945. The winning goal was scored by the same man who had scored the goal in DVSC's only 2nd flight victory at Kórház Utca, Tamás Sándor. In March of 1994 Békéscsaba recorded what remains their last league win over Debrecen, defeating the red and whites 0-2. In October of the same year, the purple and whites eliminated DVSC from the cup, defeating them 5-0 on aggregate.

In September of 1997 Debrecen shut out Békéscsaba 8-0 in the highest-scoring game between the two. At the season's end Békéscsaba were relegated from the top-flight after 5 years, after finishing 17th and scoring the least amount of goals.

In 2002 Békéscsaba won their third NB2 title and gained promotion to the top-flight. The first game between the two in NB1 after 5 years took place in October, when Debrecen handed Békéscsaba yet another devastating defeat, after hammering their rivals 6-1. Marius Sumudica scored 4 goals. The 2004/05 season will be remembered by both teams for a long time, for very different reasons. Debreceni VSC won the hungarian top-flight for the first time in their history (also becoming the first, and to this day, only eastern hungarian club to win the championship) after finishing 6 points above Ferencváros. Békéscsaba had a disastrous season, and were relegated after finishing last. The club amassed 19 points, 15 of which were deducted due to the club's unpaid debt owed to MLSZ. While Debrecen would go on to win 4 of the next 5 league campaigns, establishing the previously struggling club as one of the most decorated hungarian clubs, Békéscsaba essentially folded, and found themselves in the third division in 2005, where they got promoted from after one season.

In the 2010's Debreceni VSC won two further league-titles. In 2012, they went undefeated throughout the entire campaign, and spent all 30 gameweeks in first place. In 2014 they finished on equal points with rivals Győri-ETO, but ultimately the eastern team's better goaldifference rendered the trophy to the Nagyerdei Stadium for a seventh time. The two teams met in the groupstage of the 2014/15 league cup. Békéscsaba defeated Debrecen 2-3 at the Oláh Gábor street stadium, which was their first win in Debrecen since March of 1994. Debrecen would avenge their loss in the rematch, and beat Békéscsaba 0-6. René Mihelic scored a hat-trick. In 2015 Békéscsaba finished 2nd in the 2nd division (only losing 1 home game), and returned to the top-flight after a decade. The two clubs' first top-flight meeting after the purple and whites' 10 year long hiatus took place in the very first matchweek of the 2015/16 season. Despite Békéscsaba taking the lead twice, DVSC won the game 2-3 with a stoppage time own goal. In October of 2015, Debrecen defeated Békéscsaba 7-0 at the Nagyerdei stadium.

In 2020 Debrecen suffered their first relegation in 27 years. Their drop was confirmed on the last day of the season, after the team failed to beat Paksi FC, and finished 2 points off of safety. This meant that the eastern derby of Debrecen and Békéscsaba returned to NB2 after 1992. Their first encounter of the season took place in October, when DVSC defeated Békéscsaba 3-0. The clubs' other fixture of the season turned out to be a berserk game. Debrecen went 0-2 up by the '49th minute, but within 20 minutes Békescsaba cut the deficit, and took the lead, thanks to a brace from Lukács and a goal from Paudits. DVSC equalized through Kinyik, minutes before Paudits would score his second of the game. With 8 minutes to go, Balázs Dzsudzsák, a legend of the national team equalized for the visitors, making it 4-4. Debrecen would go on to be promoted as champions, while Békéscsaba finished 15th.

Diósgyőri VTK vs. Nyíregyháza Spartacus

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DVTK and Nyíregyháza Spartacus are each others' main rivals. They share a long-lasting rivalry, colloquially known as the "eastern derby" (Keleti Rangadó) due to both clubs hailing from the eastern part of Hungary. The roots of the rivalry can be traced all the way back to the 1980s. The location of the two clubs also adds to the ferocity of the rivalry, with their respective cities being a mere hour drive away from each other. Since DVTK established themselves as a solid first division club in the mid-2000s, and due to the fact, that Nyíregyháza spent all but 4 seasons in the otp bank liga in the same timeframe, the two teams' meetings number has considerably declined in the 21st century. Nevertheless, the matches contested between them remain one of the most highly attended fixtures in eastern Hungary, with fights, animosity and violence often leaving their mark on these games.

The first time the two teams met was in 1946, in the 2nd division. DVTK defeated Nyíregyháza 2-4 at Vasutas Sportpálya. In April of 1947 DVTK recorded their highest-scoring victory in the Eastern Derby, demolishing Nyíregyháza 6-1. The two teams have met 24 times in the Hungarian 1st Division, with DVTK being victorious 7 times, Nyíregyháza have 8 wins under their belt, while 9 games ended in a draw. The first time the two clubs played each other in the top-flight was in August 1980, which happened to be Nyíregyháza's first ever top-division game. The blue and reds emerged victorious 2-0. The game was attended by over 20,000 people at the Városi Stadion. In December of 1980 Diósgyőr recorded their first ever top division victory over NYSFC, after defeating them 1-0 courtesy of Miklós Szlifka. This game also marked Géza Szabó's second to last game on DVTK's bench, who had been in charge since 1973, and led the club to two national cups, in 1977, and 1980.

In April of 1982 Nyíregyháza defeated DVTK 3-0, their highest margined victory in the top-flight over the red and white club. András Fecsku netted a brace in four minutes. Both sides spent the 1983/84 season fighting against relegation. Going into the last game of the season, DVTK were already relegated, but Nyíregyháza still had a minor chance of staying up, if they manage to beat DVTK. The game's result was a dubious 2-7 defeat against Nyíregyháza, who just so happened to need to win their last game by 5 goals in order to stay up. After having been convinced that the match was fixed, MLSZ ruled that both clubs would start their next season in the 2nd Division with a -4 point deficit, and the game's result was declared null and void, with the official scoreline, ruled by MLSZ, was to be 0-0.

Both clubs would spend the next 7 seasons in the 2nd Division, regularly finishing near each other in the table. In September 1985, József Dzurják became the first Diósgyőr player to score a brace at Nyíregyháza's Stadium. DVTK won the game 2-3. In May 1986, Dzurják would once again score a brace against DVTK's biggest rivals, this time, at the DVTK-Stadium. DVTK did the "double" over Nyíregyháza, and Dzurják scored 4 goals against them in a single season. The club finished the season 4th, 5 points above Nyíregyháza, who came 5th. In September of 1986 Nyíregyháza defeated DVTK for the first time in the 2nd division, claiming a 3-1 victory. Both clubs were struggling against relegation during the 1986/87 season. Both clubs secured their stay in the 2nd Division, with Nyíregyháza defeating Budafok 3-1, and Diósgyőr drawing 0-0 at Nagykanizsa on the last day of the season. The clubs finished the 1987/88 season 10th and 11th, with Nyíregyháza finishing one point above DVTK. Diósgyőr finished 3 places above Nyíregyháza, in the 1988/89 season, however, they had only accumulated 2 points more. Between May 1986 and September 1989, Diósgyőr could not get a single victory over Nyíregyháza. The streak finally came to an end, when Csiba scored the only goal of the match played between the clubs in the 12th round of the 1989/90 2nd Division season. DVTK would finish the season 5th, 3 points above Nyíregyháza.

After DVTK achieved promotion via play-off in 1991, beating Szeged SC, Nyíregyháza would follow suit in 1992, beating Haladás VSE through penalties. The clubs would meet in the 1st Division again in 1992. DVTK won the game 1-0, thanks to a goal by Kiser. The teams were simultaneously relegated at the end of the 1992/93 season. In May 1995, Nyíregyháza defeated DVTK in Miskolc 0-1, for only the second time in their history. This remains their last away victory of the Eastern Derby in the 2nd Division. In 1997, Diósgyőr would advance to the 2nd Division play-offs, by finishing 2nd, 1 point above Nyíregyháza, despite losing to them 1-0 in the penultimate day of the season, due to a 92nd-minute penalty from István Kovács. Nyíregyháza would get promoted in 1998, and the teams met in the top division, again. Their stay would be short-lived, with both clubs finishing the 1999/00 season in the relegation zone.

The derby would not be held until October 2001, due to DVTK disbanding because of financial problems, for a short period of time, before being resurrected by the fans. Between October 2001, and November 2002, DVTK would record 3 consecutive derby wins over Spartacus, the first of which was the club's first away victory at the Városi Stadion since 1990. In November of 2004, Nyíregyháza was able to defeat Diósgyőr at the DVTK-Stadium, thanks to a goal by Zoltán Vasas, for the first time in a top-flight game, and for the first time in any fixture since 1995. After the game, a select group of DVTK fans entered the running track between he field and the stands, and fought with the riot police, who used batons and teargas to regain control of the crowd. In May 2005, as Nyíregyháza were fighting relegation, the team hosted DVTK. The team from Szabolcs-County went 2-0 up, with a brace from Vasas, but DVTK came back from the 2-goal deficit, thanks to late goals from Tisza ('78), and Siminic ('88). Nyíregyháza's relegation was confirmed 2 weeks later, after Lombard Pápa defeated Budapest Honvéd 1-0.

Nyíregyháza won the 2nd Division in 2007 under former DVTK headcoach György Gálhidi, finishing above Ferencváros, and were promoted as champions. In April 2008, Nyíregyháza defeated DVTK 2-1, with goals from Granáth, and Miskolczi. After the game 5 Diósgyőr fans were detained for their behaviour during the game; four of them attempted to break through the cordon separating the away fans from the rest of the stadium, and proceeded to hurl it over the security fence. The fans were given prison sentences ranging from 15 to 50 days, with a number of the sentences being subsequently reduced. In November of the same year, the teams played a 2-2 draw at Nyíregyháza, with Diósgyőr scoring 2 goals within 10 minutes in the 1st half, but Nyíregyháza responding with goals by Apostu and Miskolczi. In April 2009, DVTK recorded their first home win in the 1st Division in the eastern derby since 1999, thanks to a goal from Lippai. In May of 2010 Nyíregyháza defeated DVTK 1-0 in Miskolc, courtesy of Fouad Bouguerra, in what remains their last away victory over DVTK. At the end of the 2009/10 season, both clubs were relegated once again, coinciding with DVTK's centenary year. In September of 2010, Diósgyőr defeated Nyíregyháza 2-1 with goals from Roszel and Menougong, in the first 2nd division fixture played between the two teams since 2004.

In April of 2011 DVTK, defeated Nyíregyháza in an intense away game, with the result being 2-3. Diósgyőr went 3-0 up by the 65th minute, but Nyíregyháza managed to pull two back. 6 yellow cards were handed out, and one of Diósgyőr's goalscorers, Attila Dobos was sent off. The two clubs finished with a totally equal goal difference at the end of the season, both of them having scored 66 goals, and conceded 23. Diósgyőr won the 2nd Division, and returned to NB1, while Nyíregyháza finished 3rd.

In 2014 Nyíregyháza won the 2nd Division for the fifth time in their history, finishing 4 points above Dunaújváros. The Eastern Derby returned to the top-flight after more than four years in November of 2014. Nyíregyháza took the lead early on, but DVTK turned the game around by the 75th minute, and won their sixth 1st Division Eastern Derby 2-1. The game featured 7 yellow cards, one of which, belonging to Zoltán Nagy was later turned to a red.

In May of 2015, DVTK recorded their first top-flight victory at the Városi Stadion, defeating the red and blues 2-1 with a 90th minute goal from Boros. Nyíregyháza were relegated in 2015, while DVTK managed to stay in the top-flight for another 6 seasons, only suffering relegation in 2021. In September of 2021 the clubs met again after 6 years, with DVTK defeating Nyíregyháza 4-2. Nyíregyháza born Marcell Hornyák scored DVTK's second goal. In March of 2022 Nyíregyháza recorded their first home victory in the Eastern Derby since 2008, overcoming DVTK 1-0.

After the Nyíregyháza-DVTK fixture in May of 2023, which ended 1-1, Nyíregyháza fans attacked the away sector, leading to a fight betwen the two sets of supporters. This event would be referenced by a tifo by Diósgyőr fans during the sides' clash in October of 2024.


In May of 2023, DVTK won the 2nd Division, and in 2024, Nyíregyháza were promoted from the 2nd Division as champions, which signaled the return of the "Eastern El-Clásico", one of the hottest fixtures of the country, to the top-flight. On the 5th of October, 2024, Diósgyőr became the first away team to win at the new Városi stadion of Nyíregyháza, after defeating the red and blues 2-0, with goals from Edomwonyi and Gera.


Inter-regional rivalries

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Ferencvárosi TC–Debreceni VSC rivalry

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Ferencváros vs. Debrecen[9]

Despite being located over 230 kilometers apart, Ferencváros and Debreceni VSC contest a fierce rivaly. They have played each other in over 100 top-flight games, eith the side from the capital winning 50 of them, while Debrecen won 28 of them. The teams first met in the 1st Division in 1943. Throughout the '40's and 50's, while Ferencváros were winning occasional domestic trophies, such as 3 national titles between 1940 and 1949, and 4 Hungarian cup between 1942 and 1958.

DVSC on the other hand, would spend most of the early post-WW2 decades in the 2nd Division, briefly playing top-flight football in the 1960/61 season, when they beat FTC 2-1, for the first time since 1946. In the 1960s, Ferencváros were back to their winning ways, as they ended their league-title drought of 14 years in 1963, and finished the decade with 4 national titles. DVSC would spend three of the following four seasons in the top-flight, before being relegated again in 1964. By 1968, DVSC were playing in the 3rd tier of Hungary.

In 1979, Debrecen returned to the top division, and took on FTC for the first time in 15 years. In 1981, DVSC defeated FTC for the first time since 1961, after beating the "green eagles" 1-0. The game was attended by 22,000 spectators in Debrecen. Similar to the two teams' positions in the 1960s, in the '80's, while Debrecen were constantly fighting relegation (they were relegated in 1983, 1988, and 1991), Ferencváros were adding to their trophy-cabinet, winning the league in 1981.

In 1994, Debrecen got their first victory over Ferencváros in a decade, defeating them 2-0. In 1999, Debrecen finally managed to win at Ferencváros' stadium, Üllői Út, for the first time ever in their history. It took the red and whites 25 attempts, only 2 of which ended in a draw, and 23 in defeat. In the 2000s, DVSC underwent some massive changes, which lead to the club becoming one of Ferencváros' biggest challengers. In 2003, the sides met in the Hungarian Cup Final, where Ferencváros defeated DVSC 2-1 with a brace from Attila Tököli, as they came back from being 0-1 down. In the same year, the sides played each other in the last week of the season, with FTC, who were level on points with MTK heading into the final day, needing a win to claim the league title over MTK. DVSC held off FTC to a 0-0 draw, and, incensed by the result, several hundred Ferencváros fans took to the pitch. In 2004, FTC won the league title, after finishing 1 point above 2nd place Újpest, and 3rd place Debrecen. The following season, Debrecen became the first side from the eastern part of the country to become champions, after finishing 6 points ahead of runners-up, FTC. In 2006, Ferencváros were relegated from the 1st Division due to financial troubles, leaving DVSC to dominate the top-flight with practically no real challengers. The team from Hajdú-Bihar-County would end the decade with 5 league titles, 2 Hungarian cups, and 5 supercups.

In the 2011/12 season, DVSC clinched their 6th national championship, as they went unbeaten throughout the entire campaign, and spent all 30 gameweeks in 1st place. In 2013, Ferencváros defeated Debrecen 2‐3 at the Nagyerdei Stadion for the first time in 12 years. In 2014, Debrecen won their 6th league-title, after finishing on equal points with defending champions Győri-ETO, while 3rd place FTC were 5 points off. In 2016, Ferencváros won their first championship in 12 years, finishing 19 points ahead of 2nd place Videoton. Debrecen finished 3rd. In November 2017, the renowned ultra group of Ferencváros, Green Monsters ended their boycott of the team's home games, and returned to the stadium after 3 years. The first game where the group was present at the new Groupama Arena was against DVSC, and FTC went on to win the game 2-1. The reason for the boycott was to protest the decision to make vein scanners compulsory at 1st division games.

Ferencváros would also win the 2018/19 NB1 season, and every single league-title ever since. In february of 2019 Debrecen were trailing 0-1 at home against FTC, with 7 minutes to go. DVSC-legend Dániel Tőzsér equalized from the penalty spot in the 83th minute. In the 93rd minute, Dániel Zsóri would score an overhead goal, making it 2-1 to Debrecen. The strike would win the 2020 Puskás-award. Debreceni VSC suffered a relegation in 2020, for the first time in the 21st century. They would return to the top-flight in 2022, and in 2023, the red and whites managed to defeat FTC in Budapest for the first time since 2012, after overcoming the green and whites 1-3.

Handball

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Men's handball
Women's handball

Basketball

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Men's basketball
Women's basketball

Water polo

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Ice hockey

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References

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  1. ^ "Újpest-Ferencváros: fővárosi-vidéki ellentétből, politikai csatán át napjainkig – a rivalizálás története". 26 May 2020.
  2. ^ "A Fradi-Újpest derbi a világ egyik legnagyobb rangadója". 29 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Zsidók, svábok és az örökrangadó".
  4. ^ "Haladás-ZTE: gazdag múlt".
  5. ^ "Nego a jó rezgést keresi a Fejér-derbi előtt".
  6. ^ "Keleti rangadó - Debrecenben". October 2011.
  7. ^ "A hosszabbításban dőlt el a borsodi rangadó". 26 August 2017.
  8. ^ "Jön a debreceni rangadó a labdarúgó harmadosztályban".
  9. ^ "Fél évszázados múltra tekint vissza a Fradi–Vidi rivalizálás". December 2017.
  10. ^ "Veszprém-Szeged és Szeged-Veszprém rangadók 40 éve a magyar bajnokságban".
  11. ^ "Szombaton rangadó: a 99. Loki–Fradi következik!". 30 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Ebben a szezonban először találkozik az Egis Körmend és a Falco KC".
  13. ^ "ZTE KK–Falco KC szomszédvári derbi". 3 January 2020.
  14. ^ "Az alapszakasz rangadója következik".
  15. ^ "Győrben nyert rangadót a Sopron Basket a női kosár NB I-ben". 4 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Szombaton vármegyei derbi!". 16 October 2023.