Turkey will host Hungary on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 18:00 Spain time at RAMS Park for the first leg of the UEFA Nations League promotion playoff. This match is crucial for both teams, as they strive for success in the UEFA Nations League, with Hungary aiming to secure their place in League A after struggling recently.
Hungary finished third in Group 3 with six points, trailing behind Germany and the Netherlands. Now, they face the daunting task of defending their League A status, making this playoff a high-stakes encounter. Meanwhile, Turkey has its eyes on promotion from League B, having concluded their group play in second place with 11 points, just behind Wales.
On the individual front, all eyes will be on Arda Güler, the young Turkish talent who has seen his role decrease at Real Madrid this season. Last season, Güler emerged as a promising player, scoring six goals in just 373 minutes across ten matches and averaging a goal every 62 minutes—a remarkable feat. However, his fortunes have changed dramatically this year.
As the season progressed, Güler found himself sidelined after the arrival of star player Kylian Mbappé, which made securing a starting position increasingly challenging. This season, he has participated in 18 of 28 La Liga matches, starting just six times and accumulating a total of 643 minutes on the pitch, with only one goal to show for his efforts. In contrast, Güler has performed significantly better in the Copa del Rey, where he scored two goals across all matches.
Despite his struggles at the club level, Güler boasts a strong presence when playing for Turkey. In the six UEFA Nations League matches this season, he has been a starter in all games, averaging 87 minutes per match and contributing one goal and one assist. His impactful performances have helped solidify his status as one of the stars in the Turkish national team, offering him an opportunity to shine in the upcoming match against Hungary.
This playoff match offers Güler a chance to regain his confidence and rediscover the form that made him a standout performer last season with Real Madrid. His previous successes with the national team, especially in high-pressure situations, show that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
The anticipation around this fixture extends beyond just Güler's individual performance; it highlights the burgeoning rivalry and the historical significance of such matchups in European football. As Turkey eyes their return to League A, the stakes could not be higher, and the pressure is certainly palpable on both sides.
As the kickoff approaches, fans from both nations eagerly await to see how this match unfolds. Will Hungary manage to secure their place in the top league, or will Turkey's determination and Güler's potential resurgence lead them to victory? The answers will soon be revealed on the pitch at RAMS Park.
