Budapest had to compensate with the Cup – the final was traditional derby, contested closely to the end of the match. Ujpesti Dozsa prevailed over Honved 3-2.
Quite a disappointement – arguably, Honved had the best team at the moment, lead by rapidly developing into major star Lajos Detari. That is, the best of Hungarian football of the 1980s was concentrated in the Army team. Yet, there was something mssing – something small, but making a difference between losing and winning. So close to victory, but ending losing both in the championship and in the cup tournament.
Objective strength rarely matters in big derbies and otherwise weak Ujpesti Dozsa was highly motivated and up to the task of beating stronger Honved. Under the circumstances, it was wonderful achievement – this squad would not be compatible to the great one, dominating the 1970s Hungarian football. It was struggling team in a process of hit and miss rebuilding. Andras Toroscik was leaving, there was no visible leader to take after him, no other major star. Objectively, Ujpesti Dozsa was the underdog – not a force in the championship, much weaker than Honved. It was great to see them win the Cup from such standpoint. From a historic perspective… it was banal: one more trophy, nothing new.