Andrea Maldera marked his competitive debut as Ukraine manager in winning fashion, guiding the visitors to a 1-0 victory over Hungary at the Puskas Arena in a tightly contested UEFA Nations League clash. The result carries particular significance for Maldera, who becomes the first foreign manager to secure a competitive international win with Ukraine. For Hungary, the defeat ends an impressive four-match unbeaten run at home, with Marco Rossi's side having won three and drawn one of their previous matches on home soil heading into this encounter.
The opening exchanges at the Puskas Arena set the tone for an evenly matched battle, with both teams creating opportunities early on. Hungary's Daniel Lukacs directed Andras Schafer's knockdown onto the crossbar before Ukraine's Danylo Sikan dragged a shot wide. Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai then powered forward and cut back for Bendeguz Bolla, whose volley from close range sailed over the bar. Viktor Tsyhankov kept Ukraine dangerous in attack, firing off-target as his strike drifted past the post. The breakthrough eventually came for Ukraine through Sikan, who powered home a header from Georgiy Sudakov's precisely delivered cross.
Hungary emerged with renewed intensity in the second half and threatened repeatedly to level the match. Aron Csongvai looped a header onto the roof of the net from a well-worked corner, while substitute Milan Toth volleyed directly into the grateful hands of Ukraine goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. Andras Schafer continued to probe with a distance effort also gathered by Riznyk, and substitute Donat Barany headed wide from a promising position as the hosts maintained their dominance into the closing stages. Ukraine's defense was tested relentlessly, but a late second yellow card to Oleksandr Nazarenko for a stoppage-time challenge could not undo the hosts' inability to find the breakthrough.
The victory extends Ukraine's recent form to six wins in their last nine matches, with only three defeats blemishing their record. For Hungary, the loss represents just their second defeat in nine internationals, though it leaves Rossi with significant questions to answer. Ukraine now prepare for their next challenge against Georgia, while Hungary must regroup before hosting Northern Ireland, both teams eyeing consistency in their Nations League campaigns.