Manchester United head to Hungary next week for their vital Champions
League qualifying tie with Zalaegerszeg.
Although the Red Devils have often ventured into the home of the Magyars,
This time they will break new ground against a side playing the first season of
European football in their history.
Here are 10 things you might not know about the club and its
home.
1 - Zalaegerszeg is situated on the banks of the river Zala, 250km to the
west of capital Budapest, close to the border with Slovenia and has an
estimated population of 62,000.
2 - The town dates back to 1247 and has turned into one of the most
important industrial centres in Hungary.
3 - Within the county borders of Zala lies Lake Balaton, at 598sq km, the
biggest lake in Europe.
4 - It is home to the only Hungarian oil refinery and also houses the Museum
of Hungarian Oil.
5 - Although proud of its cuisine, especially the national dish goulash,
fans attending the game can expect to munch their way through sunflower or
pumpkin seeds, which are traditionally sold at Hungarian grounds.
6 - The football club was established in 1920 and has spent the majority of
its life in the Hungarian First Division.
7 - Having never previously won a trophy, Zala clinched the Hungarian title
last season with a 1-1 draw against Ferencvaros in front of 16,000 fans.
8 - They currently lie sixth in the Hungarian league, although have a game
in hand over their rivals, having sat out the second week of the season in
preparation for last night's tie.
9 - Zala owe their place in the third qualifying round to the steady nerve
of their most famous experienced player, 34-year-old Hungarian international
Florian Urban who struck home a penalty two minutes from time in Zagreb to
send his team through on away goals.
10 - Renovation work at their home ground, means the United game will have
to be switched to the capital. The famous Nep Stadium in Budapest is
favourite.