Preview

December 1, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar approach the final game of the first stage with 29 points in 13 matches. The Miners are third in the standings with a 6-point gap from the leaders. Herewith, Marino Pusic’s team is the highest-scoring and the best one in terms of goal difference: 37–12. The Pitmen won a crushing victory over Inhulets in the previous round (6-0). Artem Bondarenko scored in the fourth league match in a row, becoming the leader of the UPL scoring race with 8 goals thanks to this. In addition, it is necessary to note the debut goal of Croatian defender Bartol Franjic, Kevin’s goal, the goal and 2 assists of Oleksandr Zubkov, and the brace by Brazilian Eguinaldo.

The Orange-and-Blacks also continue to represent the country in the European arena, and this week they were close to the second win in the Champions League, but, unfortunately, they lost to Dutch champions PSV (2-3) in the minority in the away match. At the same time, Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk etched his name in Champions League history, making 15 saves and thus setting a new tournament record. The Miners prepared for the game against Rukh in Lviv, holding the training sessions on Friday and Saturday.

Opponents

Rukh started the season well, claiming 3 crushing victories in 4 opening rounds of the league, but after that they did not manage to win in 8 UPL matches in a row, falling to the middle of the table. Only a week ago, Vitalii Ponomarov’s team gained 3 points again, defeating Livyi Bereh (1-0) at home thanks to the penalty goal by Yaroslav Karabin. Therefore, the Lviv team currently have 18 points (goal difference: 17–9) and are 9th in the Premier League. The team’s top goalscorer is 21-year-old forward Ihor Krasnopir (5 goals).

Match background

Shakhtar and Rukh played 7 matches in the Ukrainian League: the Miners won 5 meetings, another 2 games ended in draws. Total goal difference: 12–3 in favour of the Pitmen.

Previous meeting

On April 7, the teams played the UPL match at the Arena Lviv. The Orange-and-Blacks started powerfully and already by the 16th minute they were leading by 2 goals – Bondarenko netted a brace after Zubkov’s assists. At the end of the first half, Lviv team midfielder Talles scored a goal, but Marino Pusic’s side had the final say. In the 76th minute, Zubkov set the final score: 3-1 – victory of the Miners.

The Shakhtar vs Rukh match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Viktor Kopiievskyi. Assistants – Viktor Nyzhnyk and Valtentyn Kutsev. VAR system will be used during the game (Mykola Balakin will be the VAR referee).