In the return match of the Champions League qualification play-off round, Dynamo Kyiv players played a 1-1 draw with Austrian Salzburg and were eliminated from the most prestigious European tournament on aggregate. Former Dynamo player Taras Mikhalik assessed the game of Kyiv in the Champions League and made a forecast for their performance in the Europa League:
- I liked the way Dynamo played in Salzburg. Although, frankly speaking, it's very hard to save yourself after a 0-2 home defeat to an equally strong opponent. But we should give credit to Oleksandr Shovkovskiy's charges, who played with maximum dedication, with a clear plan. And if they had realized a goal in the opening period, everything could have ended in their favor. Alas, it did not work out, moreover, soon the ball was already in the net. The irony of fate. Now, to make it to overtime, they had to score three times. The guests pressed hard, but could only equalize the situation. There were still dangerous moments at the hosts' possession, but Shaparenko lacked execution skills. It's a pity.
- Because of Russian aggression, Dynamo players are forced to play even their home matches on the international arena abroad. Did it have a negative impact on their performance?
- It was hindered more by logistical difficulties. After all, a lot of time was spent on traveling, which affected the training process and recovery. The example with the preparation for the re-match in Salzburg was illustrative. Since the calendar match with Vorskla in the UPL championship was postponed, the Kyiv team stayed in Lublin and approached the match in Austria fully armed. As for the support of the fans, it is a sin to complain, in Lublin 12 players drove Kyiv ahead in all matches held here. Another thing is that in Kyiv the audience would be much bigger.
- In your opinion, did manager Oleksandr Shovkovskiy guess with the starting lineup?
- Yes, those who were ready to jump over their heads came out. There were some mistakes, as in the episode with Dynamo's goal, but in general, there was dynamics in Kyiv's game, they often used vertical passes in search of the shortest way to the hosts' possession. It would be only more creativity in the final stage of attacks, although, in my opinion, Dynamo played worthily at the initial stage of the Champions League.
- Now they have the Europa League group stage on the line. What can we hope for?
- I am optimistic. Although the opponents of Dynamo at this stage are still unknown, but in the current season Kyiv have proved that they have potential, that they add with each match and therefore have every chance to go further.
Maxim Kovalenko