Winning start to the Nations League
Friday, September 25, 2026
|
On September 25, Ukraine played away to Hungary in their opening match of the UEFA Nations League
Three Shakhtar representatives started for the Blue-and-Yellows: goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, defender Mykola Matviienko and midfielder Oleh Ocheretko.
The opening stages were cautious from both sides, but Ocheretko stood out with a defensive contribution early on, making a sliding tackle to prevent Redzic from getting a shot away. Ukraine were also saved by the crossbar after a strike from Schäfer. Maldera’s side responded with a dangerous long-ranger from Sikan, with the ball going just wide of the left post. Midway through the first half, the sides exchanged chances again: Bolla fired over the empty net while falling, while Tsyhankov’s low shot narrowly missed the right corner. As half-time approached, the Blue-and-Yellows took control and, after several dangerous attacks, finally took the lead in the 42nd minute: the former Shakhtar players combined: Sudakov delivered a cross from the left, which Danylo Sikan headed home at the far post. 0-1.
Yehor Nazaryna came on for the second half for Ukraine. As expected, the hosts pushed forward from the opening minutes, but Csongvai fired over the bar, while Riznyk made a save to deny Milan Toth. In the 59th minute, another Shakhtar player, Valerii Bondar, strengthened the visitors’ defence. Ukraine also had several chances to extend their lead on the counter-attack. Krasnopir fired wide after receiving a pass from Ocheretko from a tight angle. Matviienko headed Ocheretko’s free-kick cross towards goal, but the ball went just wide. In the closing minutes, Hungary had a chance to rescue a result, but after Jurek’s shot took a deflection, Riznyk pulled the ball from under the crossbar. In added time, Nazarenko was sent off, but Andrea Maldera’s side held on for the win.
1-0 – Ukraine begin their new UEFA Nations League campaign with a win over Hungary.
The opening stages were cautious from both sides, but Ocheretko stood out with a defensive contribution early on, making a sliding tackle to prevent Redzic from getting a shot away. Ukraine were also saved by the crossbar after a strike from Schäfer. Maldera’s side responded with a dangerous long-ranger from Sikan, with the ball going just wide of the left post. Midway through the first half, the sides exchanged chances again: Bolla fired over the empty net while falling, while Tsyhankov’s low shot narrowly missed the right corner. As half-time approached, the Blue-and-Yellows took control and, after several dangerous attacks, finally took the lead in the 42nd minute: the former Shakhtar players combined: Sudakov delivered a cross from the left, which Danylo Sikan headed home at the far post. 0-1.
Yehor Nazaryna came on for the second half for Ukraine. As expected, the hosts pushed forward from the opening minutes, but Csongvai fired over the bar, while Riznyk made a save to deny Milan Toth. In the 59th minute, another Shakhtar player, Valerii Bondar, strengthened the visitors’ defence. Ukraine also had several chances to extend their lead on the counter-attack. Krasnopir fired wide after receiving a pass from Ocheretko from a tight angle. Matviienko headed Ocheretko’s free-kick cross towards goal, but the ball went just wide. In the closing minutes, Hungary had a chance to rescue a result, but after Jurek’s shot took a deflection, Riznyk pulled the ball from under the crossbar. In added time, Nazarenko was sent off, but Andrea Maldera’s side held on for the win.
1-0 – Ukraine begin their new UEFA Nations League campaign with a win over Hungary.
