UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Spain vs Ukraine – tactical analysis

The second instalment of the UEFA Nations League began this month, kickstarting international football for the first time since the outbreak of Coronavirus. In the second round of fixtures on September 6, Spain faced Ukraine in a match in group A4. Spain drew their first match of the campaign 1-1 to Germany, while Ukraine began the day at the top of the group following a 2-1 win against Switzerland.

With the top team in each group qualifying for the final four of the Nations League, both teams wanted to preserve their unbeaten starts in the second matchday of six. In this tactical analysis, we will explore the ways in which the two nations approached the game, the tactics they employed, and ultimately conclude why Spain dominated the match and picked up all three points.

Lineups

Spain made six changes from their draw against Germany, with Sergio Reguilón coming in at left-back and Dani Olmo replacing Carvajal (and therefore pushing Jesús Navas back to right-back). Gerard Moreno and Ansu Fati completed the attacking line in Luis Enrique’s front three, with Mikel Merino and Rodri replacing Sergio Busquets and Fabián Ruiz.

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko also opted for a 4-3-3 and made no changes to his back five from the win against Switzerland. Ihor Kharatin came into the midfield, replacing Taras Stepanenko. Andriy Yarmolenko was the only of the front three to keep his place, with Marlos and Roman Yaremchuk being called in.

Ukraine’s defensive shape

With Spain entering as obvious favourites and with a clear desire to keep the football, Ukraine aimed to set up rigidly in defence and allow Spain possession of the football in areas higher up the pitch. They tried to sit off Spain and had a PPDA of 47.5 in the opening stages. While just 23.9% of Spain’s possessions in the match were ‘short’ (under 10 seconds), 62.3% of Ukraine’s could be described as such. Clearly, Shevchenko was interested in letting Spain have possession and then trying to counter-attack. 88% of Spain’s possessions reached Ukraine’s half, exemplifying their low pressing tendencies.