Ukraine pulled off a shock 1-0 win at home to Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday at a raucous Olympic Stadium as fans savoured a first ever victory over the 2010 World Cup winner.
Andriy Shevchenko's side took the lead against the run of play in the 76th minute when Viktor Tsygankov took David de Gea by surprise by firing home from outside the area, after latching on to an outstanding reverse pass from Andriy Yarmolenko.
The goal was wildly celebrated by the whole Ukraine team and some 21,000 fans spaced out across the stadium, with the host taking advantage of UEFA regulations allowing 30% capacity at certain matches in an easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Ukraine had lost its last three outings, including a 4-0 reverse to Spain last month and a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of France in a friendly last week, after losing six players due to COVID-19 positives.
"I don't see myself as a hero. All our team are heroes," said match-winner Tsygankov.
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The result shook up League A Group 4, giving Ukraine an outside chance of finishing top of the group with two games remaining.
Spain still leads with seven points, with Germany second on six, level with Ukraine in third, with Switzerland bottom with two points after its 3-3 draw with Germany.
"At the end of the game we entered into panic mode," said Spain coach Luis Enrique.
"I've lost many games like this in my career, when you are playing better but the opponent grows in confidence then scores on the counterattack. But overall I liked what I saw from my players."
Spain took control of the play in the first half and practically monopolised possession, nearly going ahead with a Sergio Ramos free kick which struck the bar and when Ansu Fati caught a clear sight of goal but missed the target.
Ukraine was much better after the break and Oleksandr Zubkov missed a golden chance to give them the lead when he deceived De Gea in the area but somehow missed the target with the goal gaping.
Spain then went for the jugular, as midfielder Rodri hit the post and Mikel Oyarzabal was thwarted by the outstanding Ukraine goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan, who was making only his third appearance for his country after three other goalkeepers tested positive for the coronavirus.
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Yet the visitor was soon undone down the other end by some lax goalkeeping from De Gea and was left to dwell on a shock defeat in the stadium where it had beaten Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final.
"We played with heart and absolute commitment. We had to defend a lot and wait for our chance," added Bushchan.
"Our plan worked 100% because we got what we wanted. All the team are heroes, they ran themselves into the ground."
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