Four out of four

The Miners defeated the Kyiv-based outfit three times in the UPL 2019/20, approaching their fourth match as the league champions with a 17-point lead. Luis Castro continued to experiment not only with the roster, but also with some individual players’ positions. Anatolii Trubin made his first senior Clasico appearance, Manor Solomon appeared at right-back, with Serhii Bolbat and Yevhen Konoplyanka playing on the left side. Separately, we want to mention the Brazilian centreback Vitao’s debut appearance with the Orange-and-Blacks.

Action bossed by the champs

The first half of the match was fully dominated by Shakhtar, as evidenced by both the statistics (8-1 on attempts) and the score. Early in the game, Patrick produced a dangerous free-kick that was denied by Boyko, Konoplyanka’s attempt whizzed just inches off the top corner. At the same time, the hosts threatened the opposing goal only once when Stepanenko did not allow Buyalskyi to make an attempt, plus Trubin managed to cope with Tsitaishvili’s high ball. The Miners managed to convert their edge midway through the first half. In the 31st minute, the ball hit the back of the net after Bolbat’s deflected shot off Stepanenko hit the post just to bounce back to Taras who coolly smashed the back of Dynamo net, making it 0-1. Shortly after that, Konoplyanka’s signature shot proved successful after the latter cut inside from the left wing and bent it inside the far post - 0-2. Alan Patrick could immediately give the score an even more lopsided look but for the keeper’s hard save.

Opponents’ comeback and Taison's magic

That said, Dynamo got off to a better start of the second half, being vitally in need of points. In the 51st minute, Verbic successfully flicked the ball home to reduce the deficit - 1-2. Following him. Tsitaishvili’s long-ranger almost hit the near corner, and in the 67th minute de Pena took his chance, lobbed it past the keeper and equalized. Luis Castro immediately reacted by replacing Solomon with Taison, with this coaching move again being key in the match. A minute later, the Brazilian received Dodo’s cross in front of the penalty area, waited for a moment and brought Alan Patrick through on goal with a brilliant pass, with the latter just needing to roll it past Boyko - 2-3. The subsequent series of substitutions and stops slowed down the pace, and the Kyiv side’s last-minute assault did not cause Shakhtar defenders any particular problems. The hosts finished the match in minority: Pivaric was sent off after a rough foul on Patrick.

3-2 - Shakhtar defeated Dynamo in four out of four league games this season, extending their lead in the table to 20 points! Luis Castro’s men will play the next UPL game at 19:30 vs Desna on July 12th.

Dynamo Kyiv 2-3 (0-2) Shakhtar Donetsk

Kyiv, NSC Olimpiyskiy, behind closed doors

Goals: 0-1 Stepanenko (31’), 0-2 Konoplyanka (39’), 1-2 Verbic (51’), 2-2 de Pena (67’), 2-3 Alan Patrick (72’)

Shakhtar: Trubin, Dodo, Vitao, Matviienko, Bolbat (Cipriano, 54’), Stepanenko (c) (Bondarenko, 77’), Marcos Antonio, Alan Patrick, Konoplyanka (Marlos, 77’), Solomon (Taison, 71’), Moraes (Fernando, 77’)

Sent off: Pivaric (90+1’)