Last Friday, November 15, the U-21 national team of Ukraine held an away friendly match against the team of Portugal as part of their preparation for the final tournament of Euro-2025 (U-21).
Friendly match
PORTUGAL (U−21) — UKRAINE (U−21) — 3:3 (3:1)
Goals: Rodrigues (17), Fernandes (38), Batagov (44, own goal) — Batagov (4 pen., 86), Khlan (56 pen.)
Portugal (U−21): Carvalho, Muniz, Rodrigues (Nazinho, 46), Esseguo (Santos, 46), Fernandes (J. Marques, 46), Bernardo (c) (Borjes, 46), K. Marques, Kenda (Tomas, 46), Sa (Netu, 46), Silva (Araujo, 46), Gomes (Veiga, 46).
Ukraine (U−21): Yermakov, Roman (Kuzik, 46), Kozyk (Oharakov, 69), Husev (Krupskiy, 46), Batagov (c), Melnychenko, Yatsik (Varfolomieiev, 46), Horbach (V'yunyk, 46), Bragaru (Khlan, 46, Krasnopir, 90+1), Veletien (Kvasnytsia, 46), Tsarenko (Fedor, 63).
At the start of the match, the Ukrainians scored — Batagov converted a penalty earned by Tsarenko. Later, Yatsik tested the keeper with a free kick. The hosts responded with a moment from Silva, who failed to capitalize on Yermakov's mistake, and then a threat near the Ukrainian goal arose during a corner. In the 17th minute, the Portuguese equalized the score when Rodrigues was allowed to close the far post unchallenged.
Then there was a moment for Tsarenko, who failed to outplay the keeper after a cross from Veletien. In the 38th minute, the Portuguese scored again — Fernandes entered the penalty area and accurately shot into the far corner. Before the break, the hosts scored a third time — Kenda's cross ended in an own goal by Batagov. The ball also hit the net of Carvalho's goal, but Horbach was offside when he shot.
During the break, Unai Melgosa made six substitutions at once. One of them worked immediately, as Khlan earned and converted a penalty. Later, Khlan hit the ball near the far post beautifully. The Portuguese responded with a dangerous shot from Joao Marques — Yermakov parried. Later, Tomas failed to use his chance and also forced Yermakov to react after Muniz's standard.
In the 86th minute, the Ukrainians managed to equalize the score — Batagov scored a double, closing Khlan's cross from the corner. There was a moment for the hosts afterward, but Yermakov played reliably. Thus, the match ended in a draw — 3:3.
Now Unai Melgosa’s team will hold another friendly. The Italy — Ukraine match will take place in Spezia on November 19. The game at the Alberto Picco stadium will start at 19:15 Kyiv time.
