On July 23, Dynamo Kyiv opens the European soccer season with a duel against Serbian Partizan in the second round of the Champions League qualification. Former Dynamo player Taras Mykhalik shared his expectations from the confrontation in Lublin, Poland:
Taras Mihalik- As the season in Ukraine has not started yet, it will be the first official match of Oleksandr Shovkovskiy's wards. Dynamo have worked quite productively this time on the transfer market, in particular, the arrival of Dnipro-1 leader Oleksandr Pikhalenka added creativity to their actions.
As the control matches at the training camp in Austria showed, Kyiv team started to act more diverse, more often creating chances. This is pleasing. However, we are concerned that the defense lacks reliability. There is still something to work on.
Still, it's one thing - friendlies and quite another - the Champions League. I am convinced that just the status of the game in Lublin should motivate Dynamo players to demonstrate their best qualities. And the support of 12 players will help them not only to keep their gates locked, but also to score.
It's time for the Kyivians to start making a loud statement on the international stage as well. Moreover, Partizan is a convenient opponent for them. All the previous matches between Dynamo and Partizan in European cups ended in their favor. This pleasant tradition should be preserved.
