Belgium 3-0 Ukraine (4-3 agg): Red Devils secure Nations League A survival with comeback victory over Ukraine
Belgium secured a 3-0 victory against Ukraine, scoring three goals in just 16 minutes, which resulted in a 4-3 aggregate triumph in their UEFA Nations League (UNL) League A/B play-off.
This win not only marked the end of the Red Devils' winless streak against the Blue and Yellow but also ensured their continued presence in the top tier.
The Red Devils quickly took the initiative, aiming to overcome the two-goal deficit from the first leg. However, the visitors stood firm, with Oleksandr Svatok blocking a shot from Thomas Meunier, while Zeno Debast's attempt sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Belgium displayed patience, with Kevin De Bruyne serving as the primary playmaker in their offensive efforts. He came agonizingly close to scoring with a curling shot from the edge of the box that nearly found the top corner.
In the 27th minute, Oleksandr Zinchenko registered Ukraine's first shot of the match, but it went wide. The Blue and Yellow's ongoing time-wasting tactics frustrated the home crowd at Cegeka Arena, leading to Zinchenko receiving a yellow card shortly after his attempt.
This frustration soon turned to disbelief for the Belgian side as Hans Vanaken's shot deflected off Romelu Lukaku and went wide. Moments later, Vladyslav Vanat headed a corner against his own post, and Andriy Lunin managed to tip De Bruyne's free-kick over the bar.
The second half began similarly, with Timothy Castagne sending a hurried attempt over the crossbar, De Bruyne having a shot blocked by Oleksiy Gutsulyak, and Lunin instinctively denying Vanaken.
Leandro Trossard then became the latest Belgian player to miss the target, while Mykola Matviyenko skillfully defended against Lukaku, deflecting his shot wide and conceding a corner, which ultimately resulted in Lukaku heading wide from a prime scoring opportunity.
Both teams executed a double substitution in the 69th minute, with Rudi Garcia’s changes yielding immediate results. Maxim De Cuyper combined with Jérémy Doku for a one-two, ultimately guiding the ball past Lunin. The intensity of the match escalated from that moment, and just six minutes later, Lukaku scored with an acrobatic volley from a cross by De Bruyne.
Artem Dovbyk attempted to respond with a header that was deflected wide, while Alexis Saelemaekers came close to scoring as Ukraine pressed forward, with both teams eager to find a decisive goal.
Belgium ultimately completed their comeback in the 86th minute when Lukaku seized on Vanaken’s expertly placed through ball and executed a precise first-time finish. This goal secured the Red Devils' status in UNL League A without the need for extra time.
Additionally, this match marked Ukraine's first defeat in six games, relegating them to another season in League B.
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