Ferencvárosi TC to Face FC Noah in UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round
Ferencvárosi TC, Hungary’s most successful football club, has officially learned its opponent for the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. According to an announcement shared on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account earlier today, Fradi will take on FC Noah, the Armenian Premier League side, in what promises to be an intriguing two-legged tie.
The draw, held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, sets the stage for Ferencváros to begin its continental campaign with a renewed sense of ambition under manager Robbie Keane. The Irish tactician, now in his second season in charge, will aim to guide the team to the group stages of the Champions League — a feat last achieved by the club in the 2020/21 season.
Aiming for European Glory
Ferencváros enters the qualifying stages as Hungary’s reigning champions, having secured their seventh consecutive OTP Bank Liga title last season. With domestic dominance firmly established, the club is determined to prove itself on the European stage. The two-legged tie against FC Noah will serve as the first major test of their new-look squad.
The first leg is scheduled to be played on July 23, with the return leg a week later on July 30. Fradi will travel to Armenia for the opening match before hosting the decisive return leg at the Groupama Aréna in Budapest.
Squad Reinforcements
In preparation for their European journey, Ferencváros have been active in the transfer market, securing several notable signings to strengthen the squad:
- Callum O’Dowda, an experienced Irish winger from Cardiff City
- Toon Raemaekers, a commanding Belgian centre-back
- Jonathan Levi, a creative Swedish midfielder
- Daniel Arzani, an explosive Australian winger
- Barnabás Nagy and Bence Ötvös, promising Hungarian talents
- Cadu, a Brazilian midfielder returning from a successful loan spell
These additions are expected to bring depth and versatility, giving Keane more tactical options as the club navigates a congested fixture list involving domestic league play, the Hungarian Cup, and European competition.
Who Are FC Noah?
FC Noah may not be a household name in European football, but the Armenian club has shown remarkable progress since its founding in 2017. They finished second in the Armenian Premier League last season and earned their Champions League spot through consistent performances and a strong attacking style. Despite being considered underdogs, Noah has a reputation for being resilient and well-organized — qualities that could pose a challenge for Ferencváros.
Managerial Mindset
Speaking at a press briefing following the draw, manager Robbie Keane expressed cautious optimism:
“We respect every opponent in European competition. FC Noah have shown they’re a capable team, but we’re focused on our goals. The lads are prepared, and we’re excited to get started.”
Looking Ahead
Progression past FC Noah would take Ferencváros one step closer to the lucrative Champions League group stage, where they would rub shoulders with Europe’s elite. However, the path is long and competitive, with multiple qualifying rounds still to come.
Fradi fans will be watching eagerly, hoping their team can deliver on the promise of their summer rebuild and make a deep run in Europe this season.
