Sergio Ramos Scores a Brace and Reguilon Debuts in UEFA Nations League Victory over Ukraine

Spain never gave Ukraine a sniff, dispatching their opponents by a score line of 4-0. Sergio Ramos once again captained the side and once again produced the goods in the final third by scoring two goals in the match. The first, a penalty drawn by Ansu Fati (more on the teenager later), and the second a looping header from a recycled set-piece. Now with 23 goals for Spain, Ramos is joint top 8 in Spanish national team goal-scoring history (tied with Alfredo Di Stefano). The Madrid captain is closing in on Butragueno (26), Morientes (27), and Fernando Hierro (29) to move into the top five.

Joining Ramos as part of the starting line-up was debutante, Sergio Reguilon. The left back proved he belonged at this level. That side of the pitch saw a formidable partnership form with Ansu Fati and Reguilon immediately clicking. Regui produced on both ends, with a team high of 4 key passes (including an assist) and a team high of 4 tackles completed. It was Reguilon’s aggresive and astute interception which set-up Ansu Fati to score his specatcular curling effort. The 17-year-old, Ansu Fati, was the player of the match. Ukraine simply couldn’t contain him — his pace, technique, and goal-scoring insticts were all on display. Could we be seeing the future left sided partnership of Spain, Reguilon and Ansu Fati, for many years to come?

Real Madrid fans will be relived as Sergio Ramos was substituted out of the match around the hour mark and Eric Garcia was given his debut. Reguilon played the entire match, but in the final seconds of the game appeared to have badly twisted his ankle and was carried off the pitch by Spain’s medical staff. Updates on Reguilon’s injury will likely filter through in the coming days.

It was an emphatic performance from Spain and a statement match. Many of the young players — Ansu Fati, Reguilon, Pau Torres, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Merino have proved that they are ready for the next level.