Ukraine Shock Struggling Belgium to Secure First-Leg Lead in Relegation Playoff

In a dramatic turnaround, Ukraine scored three goals within 13 minutes in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory over Belgium in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League League A/B playoff, marking a disappointing first outing for Rudi Garcia with the Red Devils.

Although this match took place in Murcia, Spain, Ukraine’s players and supporters made their presence felt right from the start.

Thibaut Courtois found himself busy in goal upon his return to the Belgian side, facing early challenges from Viktor Tsygankov and Roman Yaremchuk, both of whom he managed to thwart well. Belgium began to find their rhythm, but Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard both failed to hit the target, while Andriy Lunin bravely challenged Romelu Lukaku as he surged forward.

Tragedy struck for the Blue and Yellow when Yukhym Konoplia had to leave the pitch due to an injury in the 25th minute, caused by Trossard landing on his leg.

Despite Belgium’s increasing dominance in possession, Sergiy Rebrov’s men remained resolute, restricting their opponents’ chances. However, Thomas Meunier squandered a good opportunity by missing the ball entirely, and De Bruyne’s clever attempt hit the side netting.

Belgium finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Lukaku deftly redirected De Bruyne’s precise free-kick past Lunin.

After the break, Lunin showcased his skills by saving two attempts from De Bruyne outside the area, but more frustration awaited the home side. Oleksiy Sych had to be substituted before the hour mark, following his earlier role as Konoplia’s replacement, and a free-kick taken by Oleksandr Zinchenko rattled the post, denying Ukraine a goal.

However, the tide turned in favour of Ukraine, as Oleksiy Hutsuliak, who came on as part of a triple substitution due to injury, took just five minutes to steal the ball from Maxim De Cuyper and slotted home the equaliser.

Another substitute made an impact shortly after, with Vladyslav Vanat finding the net following a deflected pass from Tsygankov just seven minutes later.

To add to Belgium’s woes, Ilya Zabarnyi pushed Zabarnyi’s cross into the net a mere three minutes later, giving Ukraine a two-goal cushion.

Zabarnyi later denied Youri Tielemans’ dangerous low cross, allowing Ukraine to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, setting a strong precedent heading into their second leg in Genk on Sunday.

The Blue and Yellow’s performance also marked Belgium’s sixth consecutive match without a win—a streak they had not experienced since 2009—and their fourth consecutive defeat.