Shakhtar Donetsk will play its second match in the group round of the Champions League. This time, "Celtic" will act as the rival of Igor Jovichevich's team. The former striker of "Miners" Viktor Grachov talked about the prospects of the Ukrainian club in the confrontation with the Scots.
Victor Grachev— Viktor Aleksandrovych, what thoughts did you have after the final whistle of the match "Leipzig" - "Shakhtar"?
— I could not come to my senses for a very long time (smiles). If I had said before the game that Shakhtar would win with such a score, I would probably be considered crazy.
To be honest, I thought that the "miners" could count on a draw at most, as matches against German clubs have always been difficult for Donetsk residents. Maybe "Leipzig" had some internal problems, but it doesn't concern us, the score is on the scoreboard.
— Now the "miners" are expected to continue in the meeting with "Celtic"...
— Well, outside the native walls, Scottish teams do not perform very well. And, by the way, I don't understand how Celtic could win six in six league matches, scoring 25 goals, and then lose crushingly to Real Madrid in the Champions League...
— Are you more optimistic now than before Shakhtar's debut game in the Champions League?
— I think, on paper, the chances are still 50 to 50. I still can't say to what extent the potential of this "Shakhtar" corresponds to the result that the "orange and black" achieved in Germany.
The team has been updated by 80%, but it's good that my favorite player Lacina Traore remains (smiles). With him, Donetsk will leave the group for the playoffs of the Champions League.
— If they win against Celtic, will the Miners have good prospects for exiting the group?
- So. A win percentage of 70 will decide the fate of a trip to the Champions League playoffs for Jovicević's men. It is clear that the undisputed leader of our quartet is "Real", but it is possible and necessary to cling to the second place.
- How will Shakhtar build their game against Celtic?
— I think everything will depend on how events will develop on the field. "Miners" showed that they can go on defense and act from a position of strength.
But I have no doubt that Shakhtar will be taken more seriously now. And most importantly, our team must be ready for this.
Let's assume that Celtic will try to smother with their pressing, power football. However, it may be in the hands of the Donetsk nationals, who demonstrated in Germany how to score on counterattacks.
— What will be your prediction for the upcoming match?
— I believe that success will be on the side of the Ukrainian team. I bet on the minimum victory of "Shakhtar" - 2:1.
Yaroslav Pyatnytskyi
