"Shakhtar Donetsk" will play its fourth match in the group round of the Champions League - the "miners" will meet Scottish "Celtic" on the road. Former Donetsk striker Andriy Vorobei talked about the prospects of Igor Jovichevich's team in this confrontation.
— Andriy, will "Shakhtar" benefit from the fact that their championship match against "Minaya" was postponed over the weekend?
— I think so, since Scotland will have to give a lot of effort, so a few extra days to prepare for this important match will not hurt.
— Before the start of the group round of the Champions League, you said that it was difficult to expect a miracle from Shakhtar. Has your opinion changed now?
— I was pleasantly surprised by the team's performance at the Euroarena. We can all see that the "miners" are clearly progressing. Therefore, now you can think, why not fight for a place in the playoffs of the Champions League.
Yes, before the start of the tournament I said that there were very few chances, but now a lot has changed. Although ahead of Shakhtar are the two most important matches - against Celtic and Leipzig.
— What are your expectations from the upcoming game in Glasgow?
— It will be a very difficult match, especially the first 20-30 minutes, considering how strongly they support their team there. I think "Celtic" will try to make a goal advantage in the debut of the match.
For the Scots, this is the last chance to catch the spring stage of the European Cups. So the "miners" have to withstand this onslaught, then it will be a little easier.
— In order to count on an exit to the playoffs of the Champions League, it is important for the "miners" not to lose. Can the team of Ihor Jovichevich expect the maximum result?
- Must be charged for victory. Although, of course, the first thing for the "orange and black" is not to lose in Glasgow.
Under such a scenario, Ihor Jovichevich's wards will still have a chance to reach the Champions League playoffs, and the 1/16 stage of the Europa League will already be actually booked.
— What will be your prediction for the match "Celtic" - "Shakhtar"?
— I will repeat that it will be very difficult for the Donetsk people, but the team shows that it can get out of pressure - this gives reason to look with optimism at the upcoming match.
I'm even more inclined to Shakhtar to win. "Players" is a more flexible team - that's why I bet on 1:2.
Yaroslav Pyatnytskyi