UEFA Euro U-21 Semi-final 2023: Spain vs Ukraine: predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Two qualifiers from Group B clash with their undefeated record

Both nations have impressed at these Euro 2023 U21 Finals and come into this fixture with their recent unbeaten runs intact. The 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Semi-finals, Spain vs Ukraine, take place on Wednesday evening as Spain and Ukraine clash at the Stadionul Steaua (Bucureşti).

With a place in Sunday´s final up for grabs, a tense but still entertaining occasion is expected between two nations that remain unbeaten at these finals. After scoring an upset victory against France in the quarterfinals, Ukraine U21 have now gone six games without defeat, while they have lost just one of their last 11.

After winning three of four games at these finals, the Ukrainians have scored two goals or more in five of their six most recent unbeaten matches. What is certain is that, unlike last Tuesday, both teams will be at full strength, with Ukraine having welcomed back Mykhailo Mudryk for the comeback win over France on Sunday as they delivered arguably the performance of the quarterfinal round.

Eight days after their 2-2 draw at Giulesti Stadium, these teams reconvene at Steaua Stadium, with Spain seeking their ninth final appearance and Ukraine their first. In that first encounter, it took a last-minute Abel Ruiz to strike to preserve Spain's unbeaten run—now 14 games and counting—and Santi Denia's men subsequently had to dig deep for an extra-time win over Switzerland.

Adrián Bernabé's impact as a substitute that night begs the question of whether Denia will shuffle his midfield pack. Four years after its last appearance in a Euro final, Spain has amassed another group that looks capable of another crown in 2013.

Likewise, Spain U21 have enjoyed excellent competition, and while they needed extra time to see off Switzerland in the quarterfinals, La Roja continues to boast an outstanding 18-game unbeaten run, while they have also scored two goals or more in five of their last seven Euro U21 finals games since 2021.

Kick-off:

Wednesday, 5 July 2023, 06:30 pm (GMT)

Thursday, 6 July 2023, 12:30 am (IST),

Stadium: Stadionul Steaua, Romania

Form

Spain form (all competitions): W-D-W-W-D

Ukraine form (all competitions): W-D-W-W-D

Players to watch

Spain: Abel Ruiz

The Spanish attacker has been involved in three goals in four matches played, his most recent one coming against Croatia in just 17 seconds. He has a pass accuracy of 89% and has made 13 total attempts on goal. He has been a rising star among this Spanish team and has been clinical in front of the goal, making important runs in the middle of the park.

Ukraine: Mykhailo Mudryk

Mykhailo Mudryk showed Chelsea fans the ability he has in his locker with a superb performance for Ukraine's Under-21 side against France. But Sunday at least brought the start of a new narrative, with Mudryk on devastating form as Ukraine routed their way through the pre-tournament favourites, with Mudryk providing an assist and winning a penalty in a 3-1 win over France along the way.

They beat a talented France side, and it was Mudryk who ran the show, producing the kind of performance that would explain why Chelsea dropped £88 million on him and tied him to an eight-year contract in January.

Match Facts

• Spain U21 are unbeaten in each of their previous 18 matches.
• This is the second encounter between these two nations at the 2023 finals, following their 2-2 draw in the group stage. They have met on three other occasions in competitive U21 fixtures, with Spain winning twice and the other match finishing level.
• This is Spain’s 11th U21 EURO semi-final. Their record in U21 EURO semi-final ties is W8 D2, and the only nation to have eliminated them in the semi-finals is Portugal (1994 and 2021).
• Spain are aiming to reach the final for the ninth time; they already hold the record for most appearances in the final.
• Ukraine’s only previous EURO U-21 semi-final tie was in 2006 when they went on to reach the final following a penalty shoot-out victory against Serbia and Montenegro. 
• Ukraine U21 are unbeaten in each of their last six matches
• Ukraine have scored two goals or more in five of their last six matches
• Spain have scored two goals or more in five of their last seven European championship games

Injury & team news for Spain vs Ukraine

Spain: Adrián Bernabé and Barrenetxea are fully fit and back on the bench.  

Ukraine: There are no injuries or suspensions reported in the team.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 2

Spain: 1

Ukraine: 0

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Spain predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Arnau Tenas, Juan Miranda, Víctor Gómez, Aitor Paredes, Jon Pacheco, Sergio Gómez, Oihan Sancet, Álex Baena, Antonio Blanco, Rodri, Abel Ruiz

Ukraine predicted lineup (4-3-3)

A. Trubin, K. Vivcharenko, Talovierov, O. Sych, Kashchuk, Kryskiv, A. Bondarenko, M. Mudryk, A. Batagov, Sudakov, V. Brazhko

Match Prediction

With both countries in such good form and displaying plenty of attacking intent, we expect an open, if predictably tight, semi-final contest in Bucharest. As such, we´re backing both teams to score, with the likelihood of extra time or even penalties being required to settle the section fairly high.

Ukraine are the underdogs who have grabbed the eyes of the world with their meteoric rise and being a team that is playing exciting football. Spain have the experience and the quality to go all the way, but they will need a team they know can go all the way.

Prediction: Spain 1 - 1 Ukraine (Spain to win on Penalties)

Telecast

India – Sony Six

USA – FuboTV

UK – Sky Sports

Nigeria – UEFA TV