Legend of Lviv’s «Karpaty» Ihor Khudobyak shared what he expects from today’s match of the main stage of the Champions League between the Dutch PSV and the Ukrainian «Shakhtar».
— I expect an interesting match between PSV and «Shakhtar». I want the Ukrainian club to be able to challenge the Dutch team away and show a decent game. It will be difficult for the «miners», as PSV approaches this game in good spirits, especially after the last match in the Champions League against «Girona», when they crushed the Spaniards (4:0).
But I am not afraid that «Shakhtar» may also lose heavily. In the Dutch league, PSV's opponents were not at the same level as the «miners», and the humiliation of «Girona» was aided by a red card. And of course, Shakhtar's first victory in this year's Champions League against «Young Boys» adds confidence to Pushych’s team. Now «Shakhtar» will look much better than in previous matches in the tournament.
The key factor will be the game of «Shakhtar» — how the guys will play in defense and attack, whether they will create enough chances, and whether they will capitalize on them. The «miners» will most likely play on the counterattack, so they need to break out and score. Only then can they play for the result, confidently controlling the ball.
The Donetsk team has a good streak of five consecutive victories, which will definitely help «Shakhtar», but the biggest boost will come from the victory in the Champions League, which will enhance the boys' confidence. However, the biggest problem for «Shakhtar» may be that they won’t be able to impose their game and counterattacks on PSV because the Dutch will dominate. But I still believe that «Shakhtar» will not be able to defeat PSV away, — said Khudobyak.