Scotland have undoubtedly made progress since that defeat to their neighbors at Hampden, which remains an area where there are questions to be answered.
Martínez Losa was again in Budapest, where, just over three years ago, he led the team for the first time.
The closest attempt was to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, but the Scots failed to do so and suffered an agonizing play-off defeat to the Republic of Ireland. Once again, that was at home: at Hampden.
Lately the damage caused by that exclusion has begun to disappear. Nine members of the team that faced Hungary also started against Ireland and felt especially deeply the weight of the people’s sadness.
There is now an incredibly high expectation to at least reach the general level of the play-offs.
Martínez Losa remains firm in his confidence. Scotland have evolved since their last play-off pain.
They were out-strength in a particularly strong League A group, but rediscovered their pace and grit in the new unbeaten League B campaign.
Against Hungary, another B League team, they faced a competitive and strong attack, the type they would face in major tournaments.
However, the top teacher claimed Scotland is “stable” and “competitive”.
“I think we have shown the team that we are competitive,” he said. “We stay focused and don’t make mistakes in key moments.
“We are an extremely solid group. We are no longer afraid to cover ourselves correctly and stay focused.
“We had good football moments, but when you play away from home it is not easy.
“Even if the score is close, only 1-0, we did not concede and we know that we are adopting a negative strategy to lose the home game in Scotland.”
As Martínez Losa and his eager players fly back home to prepare for Tuesday’s second leg, there are also some raised eyebrows as he greets them as he dismisses Hungary’s chances of a comeback.
