21.11.2023Bayer 04

Atmospheric, emotional and fast-paced: Ukraine vs Italy at the BayArena

For the first international at the BayArena in six years, the sporting situation in Euro qualification Group C promised a thrilling encounter – and the Monday night match at the Werkself home venue developed into an atmospheric, highly emotional and equally peaceful football fest. The goalless draw ensured Italy qualify for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Ukraine are in the play-offs and therefore still have a chance of qualifying for next year's finals.

It was emotional before kick-off at the BayArena. The Italian fans sang their national anthem with the usual passion and then applauded the equally loudly performed Ukraine anthem.

At the start of October, Bayer 04 agreed to a request from the Ukraine Football Association to host the qualifier for Euro 2024 at the Bundesliga stadium. Ukraine are unable to play internationals at home due to the Russian invasion so home matches are currently played abroad.

Italy secure euro 2024 spot

Third-placed Ukraine needed a win to move up to second above Italy in Group C and thereby qualify directly for next year's European Championships. England had already qualified as group winners.

The 26,400 plus spectators at the BayArena, including Ukraine record goalscorer and Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, witnessed a fast-paced and intense game of football with a host of chances at both ends. However, there were no goals in the 90 minutes with the 0-0 draw ensuring Italy qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.

Ukraine will take part in the play-offs at the end of March 2024 with the chance to progress to next summer's finals. Their place in the play-offs comes from their finish in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League with the final position in the Euro 2024 qualifying group match at the BayArena playing no part.

Carro: "message of solidarity"

Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, talked about a "clear message of solidarity" ahead of the game. "For the many Ukrainian people, who have found refuge in the Rhineland, this match at the BayArena is a great opportunity to be able to support their team from close-up – exactly as it is for the many Italian citizens who live in our region."

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