On March 20, 2025, the Ukrainian national football team delivered an impressive comeback against Belgium during the first leg of the League of Nations play-offs at the Enrique Roca stadium in Murcia, Spain. After falling behind, Ukraine rallied to secure a thrilling 3:1 victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated return match.
During the first half, hopes for Ukraine seemed dim when Romelu Lukaku scored the opening goal for Belgium in the 40th minute. An accurate header followed a free-kick delivered by Kevin De Bruyne, sending the Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to retrieve the ball from the back of the net. This marked a challenging start for Ukraine, as it was Lunin's first match following a disappointing 0:3 defeat against Romania during Euro 2024.
However, the tide turned dramatically after halftime. Ukraine came out with renewed energy and determination. In the 66th minute, Oleksiy Hutsulyak capitalized on a defensive mistake by Belgium, successfully equalizing the score with a well-placed shot past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This goal seemed to invigorate the Ukrainian side further, as they pressed for more.
Only seven minutes later, in the 73rd minute, Vladyslav Vanat completed a swift counterattack. After receiving a precise cross from Viktor Tsygankov, Vanat struck the ball into the net, giving Ukraine a 2:1 lead and eliciting celebrations from fans both in the stadium and at home.
The final blow for Belgium came in the 79th minute, when Illya Zabarnyi added a third goal for Ukraine. Following a corner kick taken by Oleksandr Zinchenko, Zabarnyi managed to control the ball and find the back of the net, sealing an incredible victory for Ukraine. The game concluded with a final score of 3:1.
This victory not only boosts the morale of the Ukrainian team but also provides a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Genk, Belgium, set to take place on March 23, 2025, at 21:45 Kyiv time.
The stakes are high as the winner of this two-legged playoff will gain a spot in the prestigious League of Nations Division A for the upcoming season, while the losing side will face relegation to Division B.
Despite Ukraine’s impressive performance in the second half, it was not without concern, as the team suffered injuries to two defenders during the match. Yefim Konoplya was forced off in the first half and replaced by Oleksiy SyCH, who then also had to exit due to injury later in the match. This situation raises questions about the team's depth and readiness for the crucial second leg.
As fans eagerly await the rematch, Ukraine's stunning comeback against a formidable opponent captures the spirit of resilience and determination. The national team, under head coach Serhiy Rebrov, has proven that they can overcome adversity on the pitch. The return game in Belgium promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams vie for a coveted place in Division A.
