Ukraine Faces Belgium in Nations League Playoff Showdown

Murcia, Spain — Ukraine and Belgium are set to clash in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoff on March 20, 2025, at the Estadio Enrique Roca de Murcia. Both teams aim to secure a place in the top tier of the competition as they navigate through a turbulent period.

Ukraine, currently in need of an away venue due to the ongoing war with Russia, finished second in Group B1 to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The team secured eight points from six matches, one point ahead of Georgia and Albania, and ended the league phase with a strong unbeaten run, including a recent 2-1 victory over Albania.

“We have been improving and are ready to take on this challenge,” said Ukraine manager Serhii Rebrov. “This match is crucial for us, and we hope to use our momentum to secure a positive result.”

On the opposite side, Belgium enters this playoff under new management, having parted ways with former coach Domenico Tedesco following disappointing performances in Euro 2024 and the league phase. Now, manager Rudi Garcia aims to rejuvenate the team dynamics after a string of subpar results left Belgium finishing third in Group A2.

In the Nations League, Belgium managed only one win in six matches and concluded with consecutive 1-0 losses. Garcia noted, “We must shake off the past and focus on performing from the first whistle. There’s no better time to start fresh than in a playoff.”

This matchup marks just the second competitive encounter between Ukraine and Belgium, with their previous meeting ending in a goalless draw during the group stage of Euro 2024.

Both teams have faced challenges in recent matches, with Ukraine’s goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan recently leaving the training camp due to a knee injury. Additionally, winger Mykhailo Mudryk is currently suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. Nevertheless, forward Artem Dovbyk is expected to feature prominently after a strong showing in Serie A.

For Belgium, the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could be pivotal as he resumes international duty after a prolonged absence. “His experience will be essential for us, especially in a high-stakes match like this one,” Garcia said.

The probable starting lineup for Ukraine includes: Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Kalyuzhnyi, Zinchenko, Sudakov; Tsygankov, Nazarenko; and Dovbyk. Belgium is likely to counter with: Courtois; Castagne, Faes, Debast, De Cuyper; De Bruyne, Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, Trossard, Lukaku.

As kickoff draws near, observers anticipate a fiercely contested match, with both sides equipped with talent and determination to advance in the Nations League.

Match statistics show Ukraine has scored in every match since Euro 2024 but has maintained just one clean sheet during that stretch. Meanwhile, Belgium aims to reverse their trend of conceding the first goal in their last five outings.

The matchup promises excitement as both teams look to establish an advantageous position heading into the return leg.