Former "Dynamo" defender Volodymyr Yezersky in an interview "TEAMS 1" shared a prediction for the Champions League playoff match between Dynamo and Benfica.
— Volodymyr Ivanovych, is there a favorite in the Dynamo-Benfica match before the first match in Łódź?
— "Dynamo" lost a very strong opponent, the strongest of all former and possible opponents. Benfica is a title-winning club, a multiple participant in the group stage of the Champions League. The Lisbons are balanced in all lines, with many individually strong performers. An interesting game awaits us. "Dynamo" already gained some experience in the current draw. And as the matches against Fenerbahce and Sturm showed, Mircea Lucescu's wards are in good physical condition. White and blue look organized, so the Ukrainian team should approach the confrontation with Benfica fully armed. The only regret is that, due to the number of yellow cards, the experienced Serhii Sydorchuk and Denis Garmash will not help Dynamo in the first match.
— What might be Dynamo's trump card in this meeting?
— A balanced game in defense with a quick transition to attack. The pair's favorite is Benfica, but Dynamo has a coach who knows how to get results in such big matches. After passing Fenerbahce and Sturm, there is no desire to stop one step before reaching the group stage of the Champions League. In their desire, the people of Kyiv should not give in to their opponent.
— Should we expect that the Dynamo players will act more defensively?
— Here, a lot will depend on how events will develop on the field. "Dynamo" knows how to play flexibly, so I would not say that the white and blue dig in near their penalty area. The result comes first, and at what cost or game it will be achieved is another matter.
— Will the experience of the game against Benfica last year be used in the white-blue adventure?
— Under the leadership of Mircea Lucescu, a group of young football players joins the "Dynamo" team. Just like it was last year, so this kind of experience is invaluable.
— What will be your prediction for the duel in Łódź?
— I believe that Dynamo will at least not lose in the first match. Well, a victory would be a great result.
Serhii DEMYANCHUK