While Hungary’s national stadium, the Puskás Ferenc Stadion, is being rebuilt in time for Euro 2020, all international matches are taking place at the Groupama Aréna. Scene of the greatest triumph in recent Hungarian soccer history, the 2-1 win over Norway in 2015 that granted admission to Euro 2016, this smart new-build allows spectators to watch football with the best view and the best seats in the domestic game.
Each of Tuesday’s opponents has a new coach – and each started with a defeat last week, Georges Leekens’ Hungary to Kazakhstan, Alex McLeish’s Scotland to Costa Rica. Both Hungary and Scotland failed to qualify for the upcoming 2018 World Cup in Russia, although the Scots came agonizingly close.
Both teams are in a state of rebuilding. McLeish blooded five young debutees against Costa Rica, including Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. For the hosts, Nigeria-born Ferencváros centre-back Kenny Otigba is a new arrival under Leekens while László Kleinheisler, whose shock goal against Norway helped Hungary qualify for Euro 2016, makes a welcome return in midfield.
More than 1,000 Scots fans are expected to attend tomorrow’s game. The Groupama Aréna has a capacity of 23,700. Tickets are still available, priced 2,500-15,000 forints. Hungarian supporters can buy online from MLSz. Kick-off is 8pm.
The Groupama Aréna is located next to Népliget metro station on blue line M3, which currently runs until 8.35pm when replacement buses take over. The stadium is also served by tram 1, which runs every ten minutes until nearly midnight and calls at Puskás Ferenc Stadion on red metro line M2. At Népliget, the No.1 tram stop is clearly signposted in the metro station underpass.
Those arriving by plane before the match will find the Groupama Aréna conveniently located on the main road in from Budapest airport, before the taxi reaches the city center.
Many pubs and bars in Budapest will also be showing the match, including the once Scottish Caledonia pub on Mozsár utca, Champs Sports Pub at Dohány utca 20 near the party quarter and Stifler on Erzsébet körút.
If you are planning to come for the Hungary-Scotland friendly football match, follow the top travel tips of proud Scot Iain Lindsay OBE, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary.