Kyiv "Dynamo" played the first match of the play-off round of the Champions League against Lisbon "Benfica", in which they lost 0:2. The former midfielder of the "white and blue" Serhii Kovalets summarized the results of this meeting.
"Dynamo" lost in experience to its opponent, Kovalets said. — In the matches against "Fenerbahce" and "Sturm" the Kyivans kept everything under control, but in the confrontation with "Benfica" it was difficult to do this, because the Portuguese are now noticeably superior to us in all components. But at the moment, the situation is just like this, and there is no getting away from it.
"Dynamo" had the prerequisites not to lose in this game, but unfortunate mistakes canceled everything out. And in the second half, despite the fact that the "white and blue" added, "Benfica" still played more according to the score.
Yes, score Karavaev or Vanat - it would be a little easier in the return match. The game was given to the Kyivans in some moments. If you could push your maximum, maybe the result would be a little different. But now we have what we have.
It will be even more difficult in Portugal as Benfica will be supported by a full stadium. However, I am sure that "Dynamo" will not simply surrender to the mercy of the winner. Let's believe in the sensation.
At the same time, Ukraine will definitely have three teams in the group rounds of European Cups, which is a feat for a country at the stage of war. We wish that Dnipro-1 could overcome the barrier of Cyprus AEK and make it to the group round of the Europa League, because this tournament is still more prestigious than the Conference League.
I don't want to get ahead of myself, but in terms of sports results, "Dynamo" can also perform better in the Europa League, where the opponents are lower in class than in the Champions League. Still, Mircea Lucescu's team also suffered personnel losses this year.
I wish Shakhtar success in the Champions League, but I still can't imagine what the renewed Donetsk team will look like there. However, it is also good that Ukrainian football is alive. Sooner or later, we will be favorites in such matches as against the same "Benfica"..., Kovalets said.