Preview

October 30, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar begin their Ukrainian Cup campaign as the current trophy holders. The Pitmen hold the record for the most victories in the tournament – 14. This match extends the Miners' busy schedule, marking their third in eight days following the Champions League encounter with London-based Arsenal (0-1) and the UPL clash with Dynamo (1-1). Marino Pusic's men had time to hold one training session in Lviv between the Ukrainian Clasico and the cup meeting with Zorya, working mainly on tactics and set pieces. We would like to add that the most prolific players of the Orange-and-Blacks this season are Heorhii Sudakov (7 goals, 3 assists) and Artem Bondarenko (5 goals, 3 assists).

Opponents

Zorya began their Ukrainian Cup campaign in the Round of 32, securing a 4-1 victory over amateur side Olimpiia Savyntsi. This season, the Luhansk side are also at the top of the UPL table, alternating between wins and losses. In the last matches, the team led by Mladen Bartulovic narrowly lost to Kryvbas (0-1), beating Livyi Bereh (2-0). The top scorers of Zorya are Oleksandr Yatsyk and Pylyp Budkivskyi (3 goals each).

Match background

Shakhtar and Zorya clashed 53 times across the league and Ukrainian Cup: 43 wins of the Miners, 3 draws, with the Luhansk outfit proving stronger 7 times. Total goal difference: 129-38 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous meeting

On April 22, the teams played at the Arena Lviv in the UPL. The first half ended goalless, and early in the second half, the visitors took the lead through a goal from Antiukh. However, the Miners managed to turn the game around, with Eguinaldo equalizing in the 72nd minute. Then, in the 87th minute, Danylo Sikan secured the victory for the Pitmen, making it 2-1.

The Shakhtar vs Zorya match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Denys Shurman. Assistants: Ruslan Yermolenko and Denys Marchenko.