It was 12 December 2015 when Újpest went away to Ferencváros and won 1-0. To this day, it remains their last victory against their heated city rivals. Újpest tried to end that infamous run on Sunday, for the 31st time. Sitting seventh in the table, they did not have much left to play for themselves, but a win would have all but ended Ferencváros’ title hopes.

Tickets were easily available online, but in the end the legendary Szusza Ferenc stadium, opened in 1922, was almost sold out. Újpest Ultras prepared a tifo before kick-off, with a 101 per cent anti-Ferencváros message and smoke bombs in club colours. At the other end, the away supporters started with a smoke show of their own.

It quickly became clear which way the 247th Budapesti Derbi was going to go. Ferencváros led 2-0 at half-time, with both goals celebrated with a couple of flares in the away end.

We were positively surprised by the vocal level on both sides. Both clubs had some Italian-style melodies, not something we are used to hearing so often in Eastern Europe, which carried on for long repetitions. Ferencváros’ support was additionally pushed on by events on the pitch.

Three minutes into the second half, Lenny Joseph made it 0-3, effectively deciding the derby. He celebrated his goal in front of the home supporters, who reacted fiercely. Plenty of beer was thrown onto the pitch, but the referee was able to continue the game.

In the 65th minute, another away goal sparked even more rage in the home stands. Some fans, including those in the curva, started to leave, while groups removed the banners that had been displayed during the second half.

The away end displayed a message: “Fradi, your colours are green and white, telling many glorious stories … 127!” It was a tribute to the club’s birthday, as Ferencváros were founded on 3 May 1899.

After another disappointing season, Újpest fans had clearly had enough. While some left, others tried to jump over the fence and reach the away end via the long side of the stadium.

This quick move was initially stopped by security and police, but then, to loud applause from the majority of Újpest fans, around 100 Újpest lads managed to get close to the away end. Police prevented any major escalation, while one fan got his moment in the spotlight by walking onto the grass and abusing the away fans.

The rage spread to other stands too, with away coach Robbie Keane provoking some clearly unhappy Újpest fans, who had some words for the former Irish striker.

After a few minutes of delay, the game resumed and Ferencváros rubbed salt into the wounds by scoring another goal for a huge 5-0 win. By the time the final goal went in, many Újpest fans in the curva had already left, while the Ferencváros celebrated at length with their players. Green Monsters were present in the away end, while Pirates were absent due to internal disputes.

Before the final week of the Hungarian championship, Győr have everything in their own hands, while Ferencváros trail by one point. It now looks increasingly likely that Fradi will finish the season without a league title for the first time since 2018, when Videoton won it. On the other side of the capital, Újpest’s league drought will be extended for another year. The last of their 20 titles came in 1998.