Spain vs Ukraine: Head to head statistics
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Spain vs Ukraine match preview
A mere eight days on from their group stage meeting at Stadionul Rapid-Giulești, Spain and Ukraine go head-to-head once again, doing so four miles across București, this time with a place in the final on the line.
Ahead of last Tuesday’s group clash, both were on six points out of six, meaning the pair had already qualified for the knockout stages, with top spot up for grabs.
As a result, both managers rested and rotated, with Ukraine leading twice, first through Heorhiy Sudakov before Bohdan Vyunnyk converted a late penalty.
However, Abel Ruiz’s swivel and finish in stoppage time ensured it ended all square, with Spain taking first place in Group B, by virtue of goal difference.
As the two meet again, there must be a winner this time.
Following that draw, Spain were in action on Saturday night, taking on Switzerland in their quarter-final showdown.
But, in the 94th minute no less, the Swiss snatched an equaliser, meaning extra time was required in Giulești.
In the end, Santi Denia’s side wore Switzerland down, with the decisive blow coming in the 103rd minute, when Juan Miranda’s hopeful strike took a wicked deflection.
So, the Spanish march on, seeking a record-breaking sixth under-21 European Championships title, with this their sixth semi-final appearance in seven editions, lifting the trophy three times during this period.
Do not write off Ukraine though, after they caused a huge upset by knocking out France on Sunday night.
When les Bleuets broke the deadlock after just 18 minutes in Cluj-Napoca, the Blue and Yellows had a mountain to climb.
However, on the half hour mark, Mykhailo Mudryk was tripped in the area, with Sudakov cooly converting the subsequent spot-kick.
Then, just before half time, the turnaround was complete; Mudryk with an audacious, lofted through-ball, picking out Sudakov, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home his second of the evening.
As France pushed for a late equaliser, Ukraine went up the other end and sealed the victory, with Artem Bondarenko shimmying through the defence, before chipping the goalkeeper and completing the upset.
A momentous victory for Ruslan Rotan’s team, not only because they’ve reached the semi-finals of this competition for the first time since 2006, but Ukraine have also qualified for the Olympics for the very first time.
Spain will also be there, looking to go one better than the Silver Medals they picked up in Japan two summers ago.
So, will Spain be too strong at Stadionul Steaua, or can Ukraine take out another heavyweight in București?
Spain team news
Santi Denia could name an unchanged XI feature Man City’s Sergio Gómez, who’s scored twice at this tournament so far, on the left-wing.
Gabri Veiga and Hugo Guillamón will feel unlucky to miss out, but Antonio Blanco, Álex Baena and Oihan Sancet have been a solid midfield trio.
Ukraine team news
Talisman Mykhailo Mudryk hadn’t played a single minute in this tournament until the weekend due to injury, but managed 78 minutes against France, providing the assist for Heorhiy Sudakov’s two goals.
Like Mudryk, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, Sudakov and Danylo Sikan have all been capped multiple times at senior level.
Under-21 Euros semi-final results & fixtures
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Under-21 Euros quarter-final results & fixtures
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Under-21 Euros Group B table
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