In an exciting showdown at the Enrique Roca stadium in Murcia, Ukraine surpassed Belgium with an impressive 3-1 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League playoff on March 20, 2025. The match was highlighted by several key moments, including goals from Ukrainian players Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Illia Zabarnyi, all of whom showcased their talents against a competitive Belgian squad.
As the match unfolded, it was Belgium's Romelu Lukaku who opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a well-placed header, marking his 86th international goal after a remarkable assist from Kevin De Bruyne. Despite this initial setback, Ukraine remained resilient, pushing back against their opponents.
In the second half, Ukraine turned the tides. Hutsulyak scored in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Belgium. His goal came as he intercepted a poor pass from Belgium's De Winter, showcasing Ukraine's tactical awareness.
Shortly after, in the 73rd minute, Vanat extended Ukraine's lead with a neat finish after receiving a low cross from Sudakov. The momentum was firmly with Ukraine, and things only got better for them when Zabarnyi sealed the victory with a clinical strike in the 78th minute, aided by another astute pass from captain Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, filled with passionate Ukrainian fans who had traveled to support their team, emphasizing the significance of this match given the ongoing challenges their country faces.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Ukraine. Midfielder Youri Tielemans of Belgium received a yellow card in the 67th minute and will now miss the next match due to accumulation of cards. The tactical decisions from both coaches, Rudi García for Belgium and Serhii Rebrov for Ukraine, were pivotal as they tried to navigate through a fast-paced clash.
In a further demonstration of their resolve, Ukrainian players showed great agility and determination. Zinchenko had an impactful performance, hitting the post earlier in the game, and the team relentlessly pressured Belgium, causing significant difficulties for their defense.
The final whistle confirmed the 3-1 victory for Ukraine, launching them into a strong position ahead of the second leg of the playoff. The coach Rebrov’s strategies and the players’ outstanding execution will be crucial in determining their progression to the next stage of the UEFA Nations League.
As for Belgium, it remains to be seen how they will bounce back in the second leg, tasked with overcoming a two-goal deficit and regaining form after a disappointing outing.
This exciting match served not only as a crucial playoff but also as a display of sporting spirit amid the challenges facing both nations, particularly for Ukraine, whose players continue to represent their country with pride during these testing times.
The next leg promises to be a thrilling encounter where both teams will look to assert dominance and secure their places in the prestigious League A of the UEFA Nations League.
