Preview

August 11, Kyiv Oblast, Livyi Bereh, 18:00
Live stream will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar took the lead from the start of the championship, confidently defeating Vorskla Poltava in the first round (5-0). The debut goal for the Miners in the new season was scored by Mykola Matviienko, who netted a brace; Oleksandr Zubkov, Heorhii Sudakov and Danylo Sikan added a goal each. Marino Pusic’s players prepared for the game against the Zhytomyr team at their base in the Sviatoshyn training complex, conducting the full training cycle. The Orange-and-Blacks also had an exciting event this week – the team were awarded gold medals of the 2023/24 UPL winners.

Opponents

Polissia had a powerful transfer campaign before their second season in the Premier League: this summer the club has already signed 12 newcomers, the last of which is midfielder Bohdan Liedniev. The Zhytomyr team skipped the opening round of the championship due to participation in the UEFA Conference League qualification. However, Imad Ashur’s team did not manage to succeed in the qualification – they lost to Slovenian Olimpija two times (0-2 in the away match and 1-2 at home). Bohdan Kushnyrenko scored the first goal in the new season.

Match background

Shakhtar and Polissia played 2 matches in the Ukrainian League – a draw and a victory of the Zhytomyr team. Total goal difference: 0–2.

Previous match

On May 25, Polissia and Shakhtar played in Zhytomyr in the last round of the previous season. The Miners came to the game already as the champions and had no tournament motivation, while the opponent fought to get into the European Cups. Two goals in the middle of the first half decided everything: in the 27th minute, Pedro Henrique sent the ball into his own net, and Luifer doubled the advantage of the host team in the next attack. 0-2 – Polissia wolves were stronger.

Shakhtar vs Polissia match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Oleksandr Shandor. Assistants – Viktor Nyzhnyk and Oleksandr Korniiko. VAR system will be used during the game (Dmytro Panchyshyn will be the referee).