West Ham United played Ferencvaros in their first pre-season fixture and gave fans a glimpse of the new era under Julen Lopetegui’s leadership.
Held at the Sportstadion Langau in Austria, the Hammers came from behind to salvage a draw in a thrilling showcase of the squad’s potential.
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Lopetegui, who signed a two-year contract to replace David Moyes at the end of last season, named an exciting starting line-up for this friendly clash.
The team featured summer signings Luis Guilherme and Max Kilman.
Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham also made his debut in the second half after joining the club on a free transfer following his departure from Sheffield United.
Youngsters Lewis Orford and Gideon Kodua, alongside academy graduate and Wycombe Wanderers loanee Freddie Potts, were also named in the starting XI.
The clash against Ferencvaros was a perfect opportunity for Hammers fans to see how Lopetegui wants his team to play and for the youngsters to impress him.
The Hammers fans would have hoped for a win in the curtain-raiser, but the Hungarian champions took a two-goal lead in the first half.
Despite the early setbacks, the experience of older players brought West Ham back into the game.
Substitute Danny Ings sparked the comeback with a beautifully curled free-kick shortly after the break.
His sublime effort turned the tides in West Ham’s favour, and fellow substitute Nayef Aguerd ensured a dramatic finale by smashing home a late equaliser.
Despite the scoreline and fairly underwhelming display, Lopetegui didn’t allow the team to drop their speed or intensity, which was hugely refreshing to watch.
Nevertheless, they will have to step things up in the coming weeks, starting with the next pre-season fixture against National League side Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
After this weekend’s contest, Lopetegui and the team will jet off to the United States, where they will take on Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace.
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