Belgium Secures Survival in Nations League A with Comeback Victory Over Ukraine

Belgium secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Ukraine, scoring three goals in just 16 minutes, which resulted in a 4-3 aggregate win in their UEFA Nations League (UNL) League A/B play-off. This triumph not only marked the end of the Red Devils’ winless streak against the Blue and Yellow but also guaranteed their continued presence in the top tier of European football.

The Red Devils wasted no time asserting themselves on the pitch as they sought to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg. However, the visiting side remained steadfast, with Oleksandr Svatok blocking a shot from Thomas Meunier, and Zeno Debast’s effort soaring harmlessly over the bar.

Belgium exhibited patience in their attacking play, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings. He came agonisingly close to finding the top corner with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

Ukraine registered their first shot on goal in the 27th minute through Oleksandr Zinchenko, but he directed it wide. Frustration began to mount among the home crowd at Cegeka Arena due to the visiting team’s persistent time-wasting tactics, leading to Zinchenko receiving a yellow card shortly after his attempt.

Disbelief set in for the Belgian supporters when Hans Vanaken’s shot deflected off Romelu Lukaku and went wide. Moments later, Vladyslav Vanat headed a corner kick against his own post, and Andriy Lunin expertly tipped De Bruyne’s free-kick over the bar.

The second half continued in a similar vein as Timothy Castagne blazed an effort over the crossbar, De Bruyne’s shot was blocked by Oleksiy Gutsulyak, and Lunin instinctively saved a close-range effort from Vanaken.

Leandro Trossard was the next to fail to hit the target, before Mykola Matviyenko produced a brilliant defensive play to divert Lukaku’s shot wide, conceding a corner from which the Belgian striker headed off target from a prime position.

Both sides made two substitutions in the 69th minute, and the changes from Rudi Garcia proved beneficial almost instantly. Maxim De Cuyper and Jérémy Doku combined beautifully, allowing De Cuyper to slide the ball past Lunin and into the net. The pressure mounted as Lukaku then acrobatically volleyed home De Bruyne’s cross just six minutes later.

Artem Dovbyk responded with a header that was well saved, and at the other end, Alexis Saelemaekers came close as both teams searched for a winner.

It was Belgium who ultimately sealed their comeback in the 86th minute. Lukaku capitalised on Vanaken’s expertly weighted through ball, delivering a precise first-time finish that ensured the Red Devils retained their position in UNL League A without the need for extra-time.

This victory also marked Ukraine’s first defeat in six matches, relegating them to another season in League B.