Shakhtar Donetsk has learned their opponents in the Champions League group. According to the results of the draw, the "miners" got into the quartet F, in which they will play against "Real", "Leipzig" and "Celtic". Former Shakhtar striker Viktor Grachov shared his impressions of the draw.
Viktor Grachev (photo: D. Rudenko)— There is no doubt that "Real" is the favorite of our group, said Viktor Oleksandrovych. — However, if it was a year ago, I would have said that Shakhtar would definitely fight for first or second place. After all, we defeated "Real" both in Ukraine and in Spain.
Now the picture, in my opinion, is this: the Spanish team will take the first place, and for the second ticket to the Champions League playoffs, I hope, Leipzig, Shakhtar and Celtic will lead the fight. Accordingly, the competition will also be for the third place, which gives the right to go to the Europa League.
Our group may not be the strongest, but there are three champions of their respective countries in addition to Leipzig, who finished fourth. But this is the German Bundesliga, where there is always a sign of quality.
In any case, it will not be easy for the "miners" to face strong opponents, and I consider the German and Scottish teams to be such. It is very important for the current "Shakhtar" to approach the Champions League in a good functional state.
Considering the situation in our country, it is very difficult to demand a miracle from Ukrainian teams. Here, for example, the same "Dnipro-1" surrendered to "AEK" without options. When did it happen that domestic clubs could not cope with Cypriots? That's why I don't remember.
However, we can't hang our heads now. Let's believe the saying that appetite comes when eating (smiles). The sooner Igor Jovichevich decides on the starting line-up, the better. Today, Shakhtar does not have the same skill as it was with the Brazilians, so it is very important now to have team spirit and for the players to know what to do on the football field.
This is just the case when young people have a chance to prove themselves. Show what you are capable of, because at the youth level, Ukraine is among the best, and then our youth disappear somewhere. Beat Real Madrid and the whole of Europe will know about you.
It will certainly be difficult, but hope dies last. I will say more: if "Shakhtar" takes fourth place in its group, but shows decent football, no one will throw a stone at "miners".
There is a war going on in Ukraine, and the performance of our team in the strongest club tournament in Europe shows that we are alive. The victory will be ours, if not in football, then certainly at the front!, said Grachyov.
