In the highly anticipated return match of the Nations League, the Belgian national football team, popularly known as the Red Devils, faced Ukraine on March 23, 2025, at the sold-out Cegeka Arena in Genk. With relegation from the Nations League A division looming, the stakes were high for the Belgian side, especially after a disappointing 3-1 defeat in the first leg. Amidst an electric atmosphere with nearly 24,000 supporters in attendance, changes were inevitable.
One of the most significant changes was in goal. Matz Sels was chosen to replace star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was sidelined due to precautionary reasons stemming from knee issues. This development was noteworthy, as Courtois had already missed a La Liga match for Real Madrid earlier this month due to the same problem. Coach Rudi Garcia confirmed the decision to rest Courtois, explaining, “It is a forced choice that he does not play. We knew he had some minor concerns regarding the knee.” Garcia emphasized that they did not want to take any risks with the experienced keeper's fitness right before a crucial matchup.
Sels, who has enjoyed a solid season with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, was regarded as a capable alternative under the posts. This match marked Sels' first appearance for the Red Devils since March 26, 2024, when he played in a draw against England. The decision to start him in such a high-pressure situation reflected confidence from the coaching staff in his abilities.
Defensively, Belgium also made noteworthy adjustments. Wout Faes returned to the center of defense alongside Zeno Debast, who shifted back after previously playing in midfield. Timothy Castagne started as the left-back, while Thomas Meunier retained his position on the right flank. In midfield, Nicolas Raskin and Hans Vanaken were selected to support captain Kevin De Bruyne. Vanaken's inclusion was particularly highlighted, as fans have long called for his involvement with the national team.
Up front, Romelu Lukaku was the central striker, flanked by Leandro Trossard and the returning Jeremy Doku, who replaced Charles De Ketelaere after not receiving any minutes in the first leg. This lineup showcased a more aggressive approach, aiming to capitalize on home advantage and secure crucial points for the team.
As the match began, the Red Devils wasted no time displaying their attacking intent. They quickly pressured the Ukrainian defense with several chances. Hans Vanaken found himself in a prime position early on, but his shot got blocked by Lukaku, who was found to be offside. Meanwhile, De Bruyne exhibited his creativity by curling a powerful shot that went just over the bar, a close call that eluded Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Loenin.
Ukraine, under the guidance of coach Serhij Rebrov, aimed to frustrate the Belgian side. Zinchenko received a yellow card for delaying an in-game restart — a decision that brought cheers from the home crowd. Rebrov emphasized the significance of the match for his players and their country, saying, “These matches are very important for us, our country and our people. These are positive emotions,” while acknowledging the support from their people and football partners across Europe.
Despite the Belgian pressure, Ukraine was resilient in defense. A chance for Doku saw him closely marked by two defenders, showing the visitors' intent to limit the attacking threat. Belgians pursued every opportunity, but the Ukrainians held firm, with their players consistently breaking down plays and defending against set-pieces, including a free-kick from De Bruyne that was deftly cleared.
As the game progressed, more opportunities arose for Belgium. Despite increasing tensions and aggressive tackles, the Red Devils struggled to find the back of the net. A pivotal moment came when Ukrainian defender Zabarnyi received a yellow card for a foul on De Bruyne, reflecting the mounting challenges faced by the visitors.
In response to continuous Belgian advances, Garcia made tactical choices to ensure he maintained high pressure on the Ukrainian defenders while reinforcing his midfield. The Belgian coach indicated after the match that he expected a strong reaction from his players after their previous disappointment, highlighting the importance of not getting complacent.
As the match drew to its climax, the situation became increasingly frantic. The Red Devils were in search of that elusive goal to secure their place in the top tier of the Nations League, while Ukraine sought to maintain their advantage. Every corner for Belgium elicited anticipation from the crowd, but despite several attempts, they couldn't convert their possessions into goals.
In total, almost 24,000 fans watched as the Red Devils fought valiantly against their opponents. Eager to continue their history in the Nations League A division, they knew that a positive outcome was essential. As Matz Sels remained a central figure in executing defensive plays, Belgian hopes rode on the young goalkeeper's shoulders to keep the game out of reach for the Ukrainian attackers.
As the clock ticked down, it was not only a game about points but also a manifestation of the Bélgica spirit against the backdrop of international rivalries and fervent national pride. Both the players and their passionate supporters were reminded that football's magic lies in its unpredictability, exemplified by the Red Devils' determination on a critical stage.
Ultimately, the outcome of the match had far-reaching implications, not only for the teams involved but also for the fans who had dreamed of success as representatives of their countries. As they left the stadium, it was clear that this match was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to resilience, hope, and the unyielding bond a team shares with its supporters.
