Former defender of Donetsk «Metalurh», «Vorskla», «Kryvbas», «Zorya» Albert Kovalyov commented on «Dynamo’s» victory over «Shakhtar» in the 1/8 finals of the Ukrainian Cup.
«The match was intense, but only in the second half. It’s hard to explain why the opponents were unhurried before the break. „Shakhtar“ was sharper at first, with Nescheret saving Kyivians several times. Possibly, the Kyivians were under pressure due to the excessive criticism regarding the team’s results. In defense, the Kyivians made mistakes in uncomplicated situations. They endured the first half and took charge in the second. The substitution at halftime worked well. When Brazhko came in, „Dynamo“ managed to seize the initiative and snatch the victory.
Yarmolenko? Perhaps Andriy lost some speed with age, but you can’t take away his technique and intelligence. He knows how to get open and, as a high-class player, makes decisions faster than others on the field. In the episode with the goal, it seems he already knew where he would shoot before he even received the ball.
In this particular match, he earned a call from Serhiy Rebrov. He’s not thinking about the Ukrainian national team now. There’s another match with „Shakhtar“ ahead, then „Zrinjski“ in the Conference League, LNZ. The schedule at this stage is tough for „Dynamo“. Although, closer to the end of the match it was noticeable that the Kyivians looked fresher.
As for the match on Sunday between „Shakhtar“ and „Dynamo“ in the UPL, one game is not like the other. I can assume that the intensity of the match will be high. Players are unlikely to create many scoring opportunities. Cup and Premier League games have different contexts. In the championship, a mistake in one match can be corrected in the next. We are only a third of the way through the tournament distance. Although, of course, opponents will play for the win. This is demanded not only by the standings but also by the nature of the rivalry itself. „Dynamo“ and „Shakhtar“ can lose to anyone, but not to each other,» said Kovalyov.