Ukrainian clubs played matches of the third round of European cups. The results are disappointing: Shakhtar, Dynamo and Dnipro-1 got only one point for three.
Shakhtar: Spanish lessons
The Ukrainian part of the first European Cup week in October was opened by Shakhtar visiting Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The result of the visit was a defeat with a score of 1:2, which, in principle, did not surprise anyone.
The stars of Real Madrid are significantly superior in class to the players of Shakhtar, in whose starting lineup only Ukrainians entered the Champions League match for the first time. And the head of the Royal Club is one of the best specialists in the world - Carlo Ancelotti.
In a confrontation with such a “heavyweight”, a team of the UPL level can count on success only in case of a very successful combination of circumstances and luck. So, by and large, the press did not have any complaints about the "orange-blacks".
The media state that the football players of the Donetsk club clearly did not cope with the starting excitement. When Real turned on the pressure, the guests actually fell down, conceding two goals by the 28th minute after mistakes in the center of defense.
It's hard to disagree with Shakhtar's coach Ihor Jovicevich, who at the post-match press conference focused on this particular segment of the game:
"We’ve been rejected for the sake of it, let’s change it on the cob. We gave a lot of free space „Real Madrid“, which is a miraculous attack on completed attacks. We swear to see such matches. Plus, of course, they migrated against the best team of the world, which you can’t take» (football.ua)06.10.22).
At the same time, the press gives Shakhtar credit for the fact that the team did not accept such a course of the meeting. Yes, it is obvious to everyone: Real Madrid controlled the game from the beginning to the end. Here the best confirmation is the figures that many journalists operate on.
“The statistics of hits are absolutely crazy, if for one test the teams scored less than 2 hvilini in the average less. Real Madrid scored 36 samples, which gave over 3.5 points. "Shakhtar" having allowed 25 times to shoot Trubina's goal from a free kick, having won by 0.7xG", - we read, for example, in the material of Taras Kotiv (Football24.ua, 06.10.22).
But still, when Madrid slowed down a bit after two goals scored, the miners were able to "show their teeth" and impose a fight, reducing the gap in the score.
"Nastyki razuchoy perevaga, as in the first half, „Real“ I didn’t win matches from whom. The Donetsk team sang out the boldness of the game in counterattacks, however, because the team of Jovičević still doesn’t vista the stereotyped actions, like in the case of supermen, for example, " journalists say Football.ua (05.10.22).
“As in the previous two matches of the European season, Shakhtar showed character and ability to take a hit. Even against such an opponent as Real Madrid, the team did not lose their heads and tried, to the best of their ability and ability, to play their game. Eventually, the goal was the result of his own style, and not by chance (although it could not have taken place without Zubkov’s impudence and technique, who created a real masterpiece). In the second half, Shakhtar also created chances, and they also naturally followed from the game that the new coach sets for the team. This pleases much more than a tolerable result., - summarize the authors of the "Terrikon" (Terrikon.com, 06.10.22).
As part of the Ukrainian team, the press first of all notes the goalkeeper Trubin, thanks to whom the intrigue in the match kept up to the last.
“Benzema and Vinisius could have been counted as a dekil of leather (!), but Anatoly Trubin did not wait for him. young gatekeeper „miner“ repeatedly yelling at his team, demonstrating a non-abyak reaction”, - read on Footballhub.com.ua (05.10.22).
In total, Trubin saved 11 shots on Tuesday, and now, according to the official UEFA website, he is the leader in the rating of goalkeepers who made the most saves in three rounds in the Champions League.
"21-year-old Ukrainian made 19 saves in three matches. In the opening duel with „Leipzig“ he made one save, with „Celtic“— 7, with „Real Madrid“ — eleven. AT The top three in terms of saves also included Ajax goaltender Remco Pasweer (16) and Rangers goaltender Allan McGregor (15).», — clarifies Іsport.ua (06.10.22).
As for field players, Sudakov and Bondarenko made a good impression on the media. In confirmation - another quote from "Terrikon":
“Both did not survive their best evening, but attempts at creation are connected primarily with them. We also note that the team made only three penetrating passes, and all — on account of Sudakov, who turns into a master of this technique, ripping open the opponent's defense with his incomprehensible passes to free zones.
One cannot ignore Matvienko, who generally made the most passes in the team (71). The lion's share, of course, was given to a close partner, but at the same time, Nikolai — an overwhelming advantage over everyone else in vertical passes (9, with 5 of them accurate). Longballs are turning into a stable weapon of the Jovičević system, and when they are done with precision and purpose, Shakhtar almost always creates something interesting ahead.” (Terrikon.com, 06.10.22).
And, of course, Mudryk, who became the new leader of Shakhtar, is often mentioned in the reports. Everyone paid attention to how tightly the Spaniards patronized the miners' left winger, and, nevertheless, it was he who unleashed his team's scoring attack, and he himself could excel in one of the episodes. By the way, Mudrik is given credit not only by the Ukrainian media, but also by the Pyrenees.
“Mikhailo Mudryk became the best gravitant of Shakhtar. Vіn talanovitiy, vіn maє igrove bachennya, i vіn duzhe swidky. Carvajal can confirm. Ukrainians didn’t score more than a goal at the Santiago Bernabeu, aby confirm your high raven. At "Shakhtari" Mudrik does not get stuck, it’s already understood, - wrote the authoritative newspaper MARCA (Footboom.com, 10/05/22).
In a word, this defeat of Shakhtar is by no means one of those that cause a feeling of hopelessness. Of course, the Madrid team could well have brought the score to a devastating one, but the miners also had chances to win a draw. So in most of the materials about the match, we meet words of support addressed to Jovicevich's wards.
“The attack has a team of good mother moments against anyone. Maybe not in the playoffs, but in the League of Champions group - as a whole ... Trubіn, obviously, missed the third, fourth, and fifth. In the meantime, Shakhtar can predict not only the end of the first half, but the chance of another. Before the episode with Mudrik's raid, there is another hemp marking moment. Tse encourage — and not in the difference between the fact that in front there is one more game with Real Madrid. There, to be honest, the Spaniards may have a food shortage when leaving the group from the first month. And from the matches against Leipzig and Celtic you can take chances, it’s likely that the stench will be created systematically, and not lucky luck ... This team wants to win, ” — sums up Dmitry Litvinov (Ua.tribuna.com, 06.10.22).
“A worthy result, but a smut gra, for a yak it’s not shameful. The match was given to Real Madrid, but Shakhtar zoomed in on overcoming the praise and fear and rekindling the intrigue, which was saved until the last seconds. Such fights are suitable for volleyball players. After passing the equator of the group stage in Lіzі champions in pіdopіchnі Yovichevandthey are left in another place. I tournament position, and the team grants hope and success in a positive way, ”- Serhiy Sytnik sums up Shakhtar's Madrid voyage (Footboom.com, 10/06/22).
"Dnepr-1": an unpleasant surprise
If a miracle was expected from Shakhtar in Madrid, then Dnipro-1 in the opposition of the third round of the Conference League with Vaduz from Liechtenstein was considered a clear favorite. But the fact that the team of Oleksandr Kucher is doing very well in the UPL, where they won all five matches with a total score of 14:0 and lead the standings, does not always add up in the European arena.
Nominally, the home match in Kosice started with a quick goal, but then they suddenly “turned off” from the game, made several mistakes and were forced to win back. As a result - 2:2, which, of course, was a disappointment. Indeed, in games with such rivals, Ukrainian teams are simply obliged not only to solve their tournament tasks, but also to increase our coefficient in the UEFA club rating.
Moreover, if we take into account the dry numbers, it turns out that a draw is a completely natural result of the match.
“The teams scored the same number of shots on goal - 13. The gravity of the team from Liechtenstein was accurate - 5 against 4 at the target.
Volodinnya with a ball: 61% - 39% for the cost of the Dnieper.
Kutov: 7 - 6.
Transfers: 473/550 (86%) - 235/304 (77%).
Vidbori: 4 - 7.
Carry the ball: 10 - 19", - gives statistics "Tribune" (Ua.tribuna.com, 06.10.22).
Apparently, the remarks about the underestimation of the opponent by the nominal owners of the field are absolutely fair here. As it happened, by the way, at Dnipro-1 in the matches of the Europa League qualification against the Cypriot AEK.
"Wanadto a light cob of zucchini actually weakened the instinct of self-preservation in our team, which in the pouch led to a fatal pardon in the defense. Let’s overlook the fact that the defender of the Kucher’s team, having shown up, is already preparing to bring the moment to the high gates, because the rivals scored a fairly legitimate goal, if Ulrich’s right flank was pushed through 26 times in front of no one. Fer, having closed the zloty serve in that episode, and in the Ukrainian hospitals, it began to reign unreasonable about what was going on in the field...”, — read about it on the website Football.ua (06.10.22).
"The Dnipro team did not fully tune in to the game, which automatically put an end to the possibility of an" easy walk ", - carries a similar thought www.football.com (06.10.22).
The press states that despite three substitutions after the break, the Dnipro team "slept" until about the middle of the second half, and really turned on only with Pikhalenok's goal, which, by the way, was unanimously recognized as the best player of the match and was even noted by one of the international statistical portals.
"Pivzakhisnik "Dnipro-1" Oleksandr Pikhalyonok having spent up to the team of the 3rd round of the League of Conferences for the version of SofaScore. The rating of the 25th Ukrainian is 8.3. SofaScore recognizes Yogo as the best hauler of the Dnipro team in tsomu matchi“ (Footclub.com.ua, 07.10.22).
However, Pikhalenok's efforts were not enough to win. There were chances for a third ball, but the Dnipro team did not use them, which is why Gromov received the most criticism, in the last attack he managed not to hit the empty goal after Dovbik's pass.
„Dnepr-1 loses points in the game against Vaduz. Pessimists will say that it is impossible not to beat the Swiss second division team. Optimists will support them, failing to find excuses. Alas, the loss of points today was unacceptable for Kucher's team...”, — summarized the results of the match Georgy Groshev (Ua-football.com, 06.10.22).
Indeed, this match may well turn out to be a key match for Dnipro-1 in the fight for first place with the Dutch Alkmaar. Our team is 5 points behind the group leader, and now even victories in the three remaining matches do not guarantee the first place for Kucher's wards.
"Dynamo": on the same rake
Dynamo also found itself in a difficult tournament situation, as part of the third round of the Europa League, visiting Rennes, which gained an excellent move, in France and lost with a score of 1:2.
The media reminds that this is the third defeat of the people of Kiev in the current draw. And, of course, there are questions for the team. But at the same time, many experts agree that the game of Mircea Lucescu's wards was not so bad. Despite the fact that the French had more initiative, Dynamo demonstrated control of the ball and created their own chances, responding to Terrier's goal with Tsygankov's scoring shot.
“Within the first forty five five minutes, Volodya’s lead was lost for Dynamo — 53 to 47, the number of assists had a small advantage, equal for over a hundred of accuracy of passes; Only for a big number of blows, the victory was lost on the boats of the Rennes gravers - 9 against 4, Pavel Bulakh reports on the first half (Footboom.com, 07.10.22).
And after the break, the picture, in principle, has not changed: "Rennes", as the media write, pumped up more, loading Boyko with work, "Dynamo" was waiting for its chance, resembling a compressed spring, which is ready to "shoot" at any moment. The outcome was supposed to be a draw, but in the last minutes the Kiev team made a negligence not far from their goal and after Popov's cut, Rennes scored the winning goal.
A number of media outlets are focusing attention - this is not the first time this has happened to Dynamo. And, in general, here we can talk about some bad luck, because given how the current matches of the Europa League developed for the Kyivans, they could well count on three draws.
"Dynamo once again missed its chance, - reminds me of Taras Kotiv. - In a good way, Lucescu's team had every chance to spend the first round with a draw syndrome. On the field, Fenerbahce also equalized at first, and then conceded at the end (by 90+2). Completely a draw match with AEK was foolishly lost...« (Football24.ua, 07.10.22).
Analyzing the game of Dynamo, it is appropriate to listen to the opinion of authoritative experts from the coaching corps.
“If you take it in general, then in a number of segments I liked how Dynamo Kiev played. However, unfortunate mistakes in the defense, unfortunately, decided the outcome of the fight. Players playing in our grand must not allow them, ”- Volodymyr Yezerskiy, head coach of the Ukrainian U-19 national team, shares his opinion (Хsport.ua, 08.10.22).
“It’s a pity that the dynamic players continue to win in European cups, we can’t say that France’s game was hopeless. It's just that, like the recent opposition from Fenerbahce, the concentration was banal, like a match. And in the international arena, they don’t get through, ”- ex-coach of Ternopil "Niva" and "Lvov" Igor Yavorsky spoke in the same vein (Sport.ua, 08.10.22).
But, of course, the media had the right to make claims to the people of Kiev not only about the result, but also about the content of the game. Even despite the fact that Dynamo lost to a strong opponent (this was Rennes' eighth consecutive victory in all tournaments). As you know, there is always a special demand from the Kyiv club.
It is important to note here that, while criticizing the blue-whites, the journalists did not forget to find explanations for certain shortcomings in their game.
Perhaps Dmitry Rabchevsky touches on this topic most capaciously. Understanding the reasons for the failures of Dynamo, he highlights several problems, among them - the absence of a scoring striker and injuries to the leaders:
"Artem Besedin in 11 matches of the season there is not a single scoring game. 1st main forward. Pro Supryagu th Vanata, obviously, there is no special sensation - the first one was injured, and the other was marked by one goal ... " (Ua.tribuna.com, 09.10.22).
"The season for Dynamo started with a lot of important graves. Recognizing the back of the injury Denis Popov, but the light of the day is bright. Potim Mykola Shaparenko that George Bushchan they took serious losses and vibula: the midfielder for the turn, and the goalkeeper for at least the second month.
The presence of two leaders will definitely be a sign in future matches. For example, the same Bushchan, although not with a top on the grit with their feet, but they grenade them significantly better, lower Boyko. Tse helped the Kiyans to move from defense to attack more quickly. There is no sense to speak about the importance of Shaparenok - he is the key figure for Dynamo in the center of the field " (Ua.tribuna.com, 09.10.22).
But, perhaps, the main factor was identified by Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu:
“We have been resting all the time in the road, moving between Lvov, Krakow and other places, so we don’t have the ability to be fully occupied with preparations” (Fcdynamo.com, 07.10.22).
Undoubtedly, the press listened to the most experienced coach, who, by the way, played the 250th European Cup match last Thursday and caught up with Arsene Wenger in this indicator (only Alex Ferguson had more). In connection with the war, all domestic clubs have to exist in difficult conditions. And, if we talk about logistics and workload, then it was the people of Kiev who had the hardest time of all. After all, the season for Dynamo started back in mid-July, and by the start of the national championship, Lucescu's team managed to play six of the most difficult Champions League qualifying matches - against Fenerbahce, Sturm and Benfica.
For everyone who understands football, it is obvious: in an effort to break into the group stage of the main European tournament, Dynamo forced their form set. And such things do not pass without a trace, especially when, due to constant long journeys, football players not only have less time for full-fledged training, but also do not always have the opportunity for a normal recovery at their club base. Hence the injuries out of the blue, and certain problems with physics, which were pointed out by the media after the same Rennes.
However, this situation with the gaming decline will not last forever. At least on Sunday, Lucescu's team gave reason to believe that things were going well - in the sixth round of the UPL, Dynamo confidently beat Rukh, scoring the first major victory this season (3:0). So, the Kyiv team should approach the return match with Rennes, at least in a good psychological state.
With friends
Two more significant events of the week are related to the national team of Ukraine. On Sunday, the rivals of our team in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament became known. They were the teams of Italy, England, North Macedonia and Malta.
The head coach of the Ukrainian national team Oleksandr Petrakov took this lot quite calmly:
“There is no need to be afraid of anyone. We are crushing all kinds of fallow land... The fight is ahead, hands are not lowered. Motivation will be on the greatest equal. The boys wanted such superstars. Fight against such teams for sure tsikavo " (Uaf.ua, 09.10.22).
But the media, of course, believe that we were very unlucky. Italy and England, the finalists of the previous European Championship, do not need any recommendations. And North Macedonia is a tough nut to crack, how can one not remember that in the playoffs of the 2022 World Cup qualification, the North Macedonians managed to knock out ... the Italians.
In general, it will be extremely difficult for our main team to break into Euro 2024. But it is quite possible that we will get to the 2030 World Cup without selection - as ... co-organizers of the tournament. This became known at the beginning of the week, when an official announcement appeared that Ukraine would join the joint application of Spain and Portugal to host the World Cup.
The British The Times, which, by the way, was the first to report on such a possible partnership of the three countries, makes it clear that the issue was born and resolved at the highest level.
“For the information of the dzherel, such a crack was destroyed for the support of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the national orders of Spain and Portugal” (Football.ua, 04.10.22). .
In this context, it is appropriate to recall that not so long ago, the President of Ukraine spoke with the head of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, by telephone. It is possible that one of the topics of the conversation was just the connection of Ukraine to the Spanish-Portuguese application.
However, this is in the realm of conjecture. But what the media is unequivocally sure of is that the idea has a lot of advantages for Ukraine. Both from the point of view of the economic and political components, and from the sports one.
But, most importantly, at the moment, this is, of course, the very fact of support for Ukraine suffering from Russian aggression from the European football community at the head of UEFA. In fact, the participants in the process are directly talking about this.
"The butt of arrogance and resilience of the Ukrainian people is dying, the initiative has been given to promote the contribution to the renewal of the krai in the period of budding and the strength of football", - quotes the joint statement of the football associations of Spain and Portugal, the Tribuna website (Ua.tribuna.com, 06.10.22).
This moment is also noted by the President of Ukraine.
"The joint application of Spain, Portugal and Ukraine for holding the world football championship-2030 is more a symbol of faith in our victory. Ukraine will stand, we will be able to build solidarity of partners. Vdyachni for support”, Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on his Twitter (Liga.net, 05.10.22).
Thus, we once again received confirmation that Ukraine is surrounded by friends who are always ready to lend a helping hand. And what is important to note is that the same European principles are more and more clearly manifested in domestic football. As an example, the social activity of Ukrainian clubs.
For example, Kryvbas organized a campaign for the sale of charity tickets for the UPL calendar match. Thus, the people of Kryvyi Rih continued the initiative to support the Tribune of Heroes Foundation: all the proceeds will be transferred to this organization in order to support the families of the ultras of Ukrainian clubs who died in the war.
Lviv Rukh contributed 200,000 hryvnias to the Roman Zozulya fund, which raises funds for Bayraktar, as announced by the president of the Lviv club Grigory Kozlovsky.
“I would like to ask for shares of other presidents of Ukrainian football clubs, football clubs. This is a miracle initiative. Remember, if there is one more Bayraktar, then there will be fewer Moscow pigs. Reach out, don't be foolish, wary. Until the rest of the orc from Ukraine is not visible, we must help one to one ... ", - domestic media quote Kozlovsky (1927.kiev.ua, 07.10.22).
Shakhtar covered the expenses for the restoration and operation of Marine Mikhail Dianov, who returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Dianov has very serious problems with his injured hand, which requires expensive and lengthy treatment.
“The club has agreed on an operation in the USA. But first, the defender of Ukraine needs to gain weight," - informs Fanday.net (03.10.22).
Well, most of all attention is drawn to the charitable activities of Dynamo Kyiv, which, with the start of a full-scale war, pays increased attention to this aspect.
In the course of the reporting week, many publications relayed an interview with the new development director of FC Dynamo Maxim Radutsky, who, among other things, spoke in detail about the social mission of the club.
"Dynamo" and the Fund of the Brothers of Surkisiv will financially finance all the blessings, for their holidays they will re-establish an outpatient clinic near the Buchansky district, a children's garden near the Fastivsky district, spend big money like for wealthy people on armenia, medicine, and charity
Recently, cars were handed over to the front, a great amount of humanitarian assistance. We took care of the supply of carriages for assistance. As you can see, our car with a diesel engine, the same one, ate the first one near the blockade near the XII Months Zoo.
Buses "Dynamo" over 2,000 people were evacuated from Kramatorsk and other places of the frontline zone, which looked up to Europe. The next flight with the women continued all the way to Venice! On the way back, the buses were eager for humanitarian assistance ... " (Ua.tribuna.com, 07.10.22).
By the way, Radutsky is directly related to the organization of the Match for peace #StopWarInUkraine Dynamo tour. Funds collected during friendly matches with foreign teams also go to various charitable purposes. In particular, 250 thousand pounds were allocated for the restoration of the destroyed department of the Chernihiv City Hospital No. 3.
This was announced during the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between FC Dynamo and the UNITED24 fundraising platform, which became the main "base" for collecting donations in support of Ukraine (over five months of UNITED24's work, more than $190 million was collected from citizens from 110 countries).
“Chernihiv city hospital will be the first UNITED24 project to restore social infrastructure. And we are happy to start it together with the legendary club", - said the Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov (Ukrinform.ua, 10.10.22).
Victor ZHURAVLEV
