Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Madrid: Mbappé Misses Penalty as Los Blancos Suffer Shock Defeat
Athletic Bilbao stuns Real Madrid 2-1 at San Mamés, with Mbappé missing a penalty and Guruzeta sco
04 June 2024
Germany began their preparations for the 2024 European Championship with a goalless draw against Ukraine at Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg. As the host nation, Germany gears up to kick off the tournament on June 14 against Scotland at Allianz Arena in Munich. This match marked the first of two warm-up games before the big opener.
The match against Ukraine saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock despite numerous attempts. Germany's best chance in the first half came in the 15th minute when Pascal Gross delivered a deep cross to an unmarked Ilkay Gundogan, but the captain failed to connect decisively inside the six-yard box.
Maximilian Beier, making his senior international debut, almost had a dream start. The Hoffenheim striker struck the woodwork with his second touch and later forced a sharp save from Ukraine’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Trubin continued his impressive form, making a crucial save in the 78th minute to deny Chris Fuhrich’s quick shot. However, Manuel Neuer nearly gifted Ukraine a win with a loose pass that Artem Dovbyk intercepted, only for the Girona striker to be ruled offside.
Deniz Undav had the final chance in stoppage time, but Trubin thwarted his effort, leaving the scoreline unchanged. This fixture marked Nuremberg’s first international match in seven years, ending in a draw.
GERMANY HELD AFTER SQUANDERING CHANCES
Missing key players like Toni Kroos and Niklas Fullkrug due to the Champions League final, Germany still showcased depth. Julian Nagelsmann’s squad created 27 shots with an expected goals (xG) of 2.4 but couldn't convert. Beier, Fuhrich, and Undav made significant impacts off the bench, giving Nagelsmann plenty to contemplate before their final warm-up against Greece.
This draw marked only the second time Germany failed to score against Ukraine in ten encounters. With five wins in their last 14 matches since the 2022 World Cup, Germany seeks to build momentum ahead of the Euros. Conversely, Ukraine, under Serhiy Rebrov, continued their positive run, losing only one of their 11 games since his appointment last June.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – PASCAL GROSS (GERMANY)
In his sixth senior appearance, Pascal Gross shone in the absence of Kroos. The Brighton midfielder led Germany with 20 final-third entries, 152 touches, and 131 completed passes. His efforts to spark Germany’s attack stood out, despite the goalless outcome.
GRAB YOUR Euro 2024 TICKETS WITH 1BOXOFFICE TODAY!
As Germany prepares for a memorable Euro 2024 campaign, make sure you secure your seats with 1BoxOffice, the premier platform for buying Euro 2024 tickets and Germany tickets. Watch Germany live in action as they aim for glory on home soil.
With 1BoxOffice, you can buy Germany vs Scotland tickets, Germany vs Hungary tickets, and Switzerland vs Germany tickets. Experience the thrill of the tournament live from the stadium. Get your Euro 2024 tickets and Germany tickets now with 1BoxOffice and be part of the excitement!
Athletic Bilbao stuns Real Madrid 2-1 at San Mamés, with Mbappé missing a penalty and Guruzeta sco
Arsenal's 2-0 win over Manchester United saw Timber and Saliba seal victory. Learn how to buy Arsena
Salah and Schar's late equalizer stole the show at St James' Park, as Newcastle and Liverpool played
Don’t miss the excitement FA Cup third-round action! Buy Emirates FA Cup Tickets with 1BoxOffice a
Secure your Riyadh Air Metropolitano tickets for Atlético Madrid matches! Experience top-tier footb
Chelsea defeated Aston Villa 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Palmer's stunning goal securing third plac
Safe-standing seats return to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium for the 2024/25 season. Buy Pr
Bellingham and Mbappé shined in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe. Don’t miss the excitement—ge