Key Takeaways:
- Ukraine maintained their unbeaten start to the UEFA Nations League Group B2 with a 0-0 draw away to Georgia
- Neither side could convert chances, with goalkeepers Anatoliy Trubin and Giorgi Mamardashvili making crucial saves
- Georgia, under new head coach Ramaz Svanadze, remain without a win after two group matches and will face Hungary next
Match Overview
Ukraine extended their undefeated streak in UEFA Nations League Group B2 following a goalless encounter with Georgia at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. Andrea Maldera’s squad have now suffered only one defeat in their last five outings, continuing their strong form in the competition.
Avec une équipe et une tactique extrêmement remaniée et beaucoup de test de Maldera, l’Ukraine repart de Géorgie avec le point du nul 🤝🇺🇦🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/wdLfi5cfTV
— 🔱 Football UA 🇺🇦 (@FootbalUA_) September 28, 2026
First Half: Early Openings and Missed Opportunities
The visitors signalled their intent from the outset and nearly broke the deadlock inside four minutes. Matviy Ponomarenko’s effort from just inside the area drifted narrowly wide, denying Ukraine an early advantage.
Georgia responded midway through the first half. Giorgi Chakvetadze tested Anatoliy Trubin with a powerful strike from distance, but the Ukrainian goalkeeper produced a fine save. From the ensuing corner, Saba Goglichidze headed just over, failing to capitalise on the spell of pressure. Despite a slow start, the hosts began to dominate proceedings but could not convert their superiority into goals. Ukraine ended the half on a high, with Oleksandr Zubkov forcing Giorgi Mamardashvili into a stop seconds before the interval.
Second Half: Defensive Solidity Prevails
Following a cagey opening twenty minutes after the break, clear opportunities remained scarce until Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found space after 64 minutes. However, Trubin was again equal to the task, saving from a tight angle and preserving parity.
The closing stages lacked cutting edge, with neither side able to manufacture a decisive moment. Ukraine’s substitute Oleg Ocheretko unleashed a shot from 20 yards, but Mamardashvili dealt with it comfortably. In added time, Kvaratskhelia’s speculative attempt found only Trubin’s gloves, as the encounter ended goalless.
Managerial Perspectives and Next Fixtures
Georgia are yet to score in their opening two group fixtures and have secured just one point. Ramaz Svanadze, newly appointed, will seek improvements as his squad aim to halt a worrying run of six defeats in their last eight matches, with Hungary the next challenge in his managerial tenure.
On the opposite bench, Andrea Maldera has seen his side lose only once in five matches at the helm, registering three wins and a draw in that period. Ukraine will next look to prolong their unbeaten group campaign when they face Northern Ireland in Slovakia on the same night as Georgia’s clash with Hungary.
