In the second leg of the Champions League qualification, Dynamo Kyiv players defeated Glasgow Rangers and advanced to the next round. Former Ukraine national team and Dynamo player Serhiy Mizin shared his impressions of yesterday's encounter in Scotland:
Oleksandr Pikhalenok. Photo: fcdynamo.com- Now there is an ongoing debate among the fans whether Kyiv would have made it further if not for the suspension of the home team at the beginning of the second half. However, we have what we have. I do not exclude that Rangers deserved a better fate, but the realities are such that it is Dynamo that is a step away from the main part of the most prestigious soccer tournament in Europe.
- And still, why before Zhefte's removal Dynamo's game did not make a complete impression, Kyivians obviously lacked bold decisions?
- Most likely, the players felt the burden of responsibility and therefore cared more about keeping their possession intact. A lot of effort was focused on destructive functions and it was no coincidence that the forward Vanat was on starvation rations. That's why it didn't come down to threats at the home team's goal.
- Did you play better on defense this time?
- It was felt that Dynamo players worked well on the mistakes made in the first game, in particular, when the guests often pressed young stopper Mikhavko, forcing him to make mistakes. Yesterday Taras acted much more confidently and together with his defense partner Popov were among the best on the field. Our goalkeeper Buschan was also at his best.
- In your opinion, the second warning to Zhefte was fair?
- 50/50. It was the decision of the referee, who was not far from the top duel between the Brazilian and Karavaev.
- How can you explain the fact that Dynamo players did not immediately seize the initiative?
- Psychology. For a long time the Kyivians were more concerned with defense, and here, quite unexpectedly, there was a chance to focus on offense. We had to make certain reorganizations.
The situation started to get out of the hosts' control after the substitutions made by the visitors' manager Oleksandr Shovkovskiy. The Kyivians turned the game in the direction they needed, established the passing game, their advantage in functional preparation began to show. The cherry on the cake was the goals by fresh players Pikhalenok and Voloshyn.
In the course of the match Dynamo players had to be patient, not everything worked out, but everything ended with a happy ending.
Andriy Pisarenko
