Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Oleksandr Pikhalyonok shared his impressions of the 2−1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in yesterday’s Ukrainian Cup round of 16 match.
Oleksandr Pikhalyonok— After the match, I feel tired; we gave a lot of emotions. We played two very tough matches in three days. Regarding today’s game, the first half didn’t go well for us, Shakhtar had many chances, they could have scored 3−4 goals and closed the game. Fortunately, Ruslan Neshcheret played brilliantly in those moments and saved us. After Shakhtar scored at the start of the second half, we turned the game around and controlled it. That was a turning point.
— Why do you think the first half was unsuccessful? What did the coach say at halftime to change the situation?
— It’s football, it can’t always be good. In the second half, we slightly changed the scheme. In general, the conversation at halftime was calm, constructive, without shouting. Yes, we conceded at first, but overall, we played much better in the second half — we created enough chances, scored two goals, and won.
— Did the quick goal conceded affect the subsequent events on the field? Perhaps it made you angry in a sporting way?
— Honestly, yes. (Smiles) After we conceded, we started to play completely differently. We will analyze this match in detail because on Sunday we have another game against Shakhtar in the championship, we need to start playing like that from the first minutes, not from the 55th.
— In the second half, the team played well, showed character, scored two goals, and achieved a comeback victory. Where did you find the strength for this?
— If we can endure the end of the match and maintain a good pace, it means we are physically well-prepared.
— Lately, Dynamo has been scoring more often from set-pieces — two goals in the last match against Kryvbas, and one more today. Does this fact please you?
— Of course, it pleases me because we pay a lot of attention to set-pieces in training, both in attack and defense.
— Have you already thought about the match against Shakhtar on Sunday?
— Let me catch my breath after today’s game, and from tomorrow, we will start preparing for the next match.
