Expert: "Shakhtar could have clung to a draw with Barcelona

Former Shakhtar player Oleg Matveyev commented on the result of the Champions League third-round match against Barcelona (1-2) in an interview with the UPL-TV telegram channel.

- I expected Shakhtar to play by trying to control the ball from the back, without much aggravation, and to try to threaten through counterattacks. In the first half, it was like that. But I didn't like the uncertainty that was in the Pitmen's actions, as if they were afraid of the opponent. Although Barcelona's line-up was not optimal.

- What was the first thing you saw after the coaching change?

- A completely different atmosphere on the pitch, the guys are relaxed. In addition, they are trying to play the kind of football they like - with the ball and slowly, rather than kicking it to God knows where. They try to create chances.

- Which players are worth mentioning?

- I liked the way Sudakov and Bondarenko played. It was noticeable that, in general, the team wanted to show good football against Barcelona. But in the first half there were many unjustified mistakes and losses. The conversation during the break was definitely beneficial. In the end, we could have held on for a draw. On the other hand, without detracting from the Pitmen's performance, Barcelona are still a little different now. Plus, they are waiting for a meeting with Real Madrid. In general, Shakhtar showed a level of football that is higher than it was recently.

- Journalists wrote that the left wing played poorly...

- I wouldn't say that. Shakhtar scored from the left flank. It cannot be said that Azarov was losing everything or that he was being "driven around" the whole game. Although he had some difficult moments and the episode with the conceded goal was not without a certain share of his mistake - he had to block.