Former Ukraine midfielder Oleh Shelayev assessed the chances of Oleksandr Kucher's men to make it to the next round of this most prestigious European tournament:
- The rivals approached the face-off in Slovakia with about the same margin of safety. After all, the season has not yet started in both countries. The opponents have something to prove: in the short history of Dnipro-1, this is their debut in the Champions League, so Oleksandr Kucher's men are making history, while Panathinaikos has not won the right to compete among the best teams on the continent for many years.
- Both clubs successfully played control matches in the preparatory period, although it should be noted that there were no serious rivals among their counterparts.
- Each has its own strategy for sparring. The decision on a particular opponent is made by the manager, who is responsible for the result in the Champions League, where a lot of money is at stake. Still, I think that at this stage, first of all, it is important to have a game practice and in what physical condition the opponents will approach the confrontation.
- In the off-season, Dnipro-1 quite unexpectedly focused its selection work on signing newcomers with Ukrainian passports.
- This is the best option given the Russian aggression: it is very difficult to invite qualified legionnaires to Ukraine. As for the signing of Ukrainians, Dnipro-1, firstly, weakens its rivals in the domestic arena, and secondly, the competition for a place in the starting line-up becomes more intense. It is already obvious that in the new season Dnipro-1 will be more balanced, with a long bench.
- It is also important that the Dnipro team managed to extend the contract with their striker Artem Dovbyk before their Champions League debut.
- So far, Artem hasn't impressed on the international stage, but facts are stubborn things: he is currently the best striker in Ukraine. And the time has come for him to prove that he can score not only in the UPL, which is mediocre for obvious reasons, but also in European competitions.
- Can Panathinaikos surprise you with their home goals today?
- I don't think so. In the first match, opponents usually conduct reconnaissance. Although Panathinaikos, which includes the Brazilian Bernard and the Slovenian Verbić, who once played for Shakhtar and Dynamo, respectively, is quite skilful in pressing and skilfully runs out on counterattacks. So, Dnipro-1 should take care of the ball and count on Dovbyk's scoring ability.
- Who do you consider to be the favourite in the match between Dnipro-1 and Panathinaikos?
- The Greek team, given the fact that the second leg will take place on their pitch, where they are guaranteed to have a fierce support of 12 players. But I'll be only too happy if I'm wrong and our countrymen go further.