Oleg Matveev: "Shakhtar's maximum in the Champions League is to fight for third place"

Former Shakhtar Donetsk player Oleh Matveev shared his impressions of his former team's match against Portuguese Porto (1-3) in the first round of the Champions League group stage.

- In general, I did not see a beautiful game in the match between Shakhtar and Porto. The first thing that caught my eye was the large number of newcomers in the Pitmen's squad. And this in such an important match. Lemkin has only twice appeared on the pitch in the UPL, while Miroshi - not once. And we know that the players' chemistry is important in defence. It is clear that many important players are injured: Matvienko, Chygrynskiy and Bondar. And Sikan's appearance at the position of the left midfielder is very surprising. After all, this is not his position. Although, the coaching staff knows better, they see the guys every day in training.

- What pleased you in Shakhtar's game?

- Donets scored a beautiful goal. Zubkov's pass down the flank, followed by a pass to Konoplya, and then Yefim coolly cut it out to Kelsey. Yes, Shakhtar had some more approaches, but our players did not create any clear chances. If we name the best players of the Ukrainian team, it is Zubkov and Konoplya. They were constantly active on their flank. Sudakov tried to accelerate the attacks of his team, but after the forced pause he has not yet gained his optimal condition.

- What do you remember about Porto?

- I saw how technical the players of the Portuguese team are. They have only two centre-backs who are tall and powerful. And all the other players are short and very technical, trying to play in one-touch. "Porto are a playable team, who will fight with Barcelona for first place in the group.

- Shakhtar's destiny is to fight for third place in the group with Antwerp?

- Yes. We cannot blame the Pitmen in particular, everyone knows what situation our country and our football are in. The Pitmen's maximum is to fight for third place, which will allow them to play in the Europa League.

- What can you summarise from Shakhtar's performance in the first match of the Champions League group stage?

- All the Pitmen's players can't deny their endeavour, now the team has a new head coach and he, of course, needs time. The next match in Belgium, against Antwerp, will be the most important. Therefore, we wish the boys good luck.