BRATISLAVA, Sept. 9 -- Slovakia managed to shake off a crushing 4-0 defeat by Croatia and triumphed 2-1 in Budapest on Monday over Hungary.

The victory put Slovakia in second place of Group E and closer to advancing into the playoff stage of the 2020 European Championship qualifier.

Chinese club Dalian Yifang's star player Marek Hamsik sent a long pass from the right side that bounced off a player towards Robert Mak who opened the score late in the first half and put Slovakia ahead.

Hungary lost their first-leg match against Slovakia 2-0 in March and they were determined to return the favor. Dominik Szoboszlai pleased the home crowd early into the second half, tying the game 1-1 after a wonderful free kick that sailed over the defenders and left the visitors' goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with no chance of saving.

The Slovaks rallied only six minutes later and spoiled Hungary's plans of staging revenge. Stanislav Lobotka found Robert Bozenik with a quick pass and he sent a low shot from the top of the penalty area into the home goal that put Slovakia back in the lead.

Hamsik had a solid chance to stretch the lead to two late in the game, but Peter Gulacsi made a save and the score remained unchanged.

Slovakia will host Wales next on October 10 with a chance to strengthen their chances of advancing into the playoffs.

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