U21. Mariupol vs Shakhtar: match report

Former players of Shakhtar Academy appeared in the starting lineup of Mariupol: Paolo Nedes and Oleksandr Symenko. Instead of the suspended Dmytro Kapinus, Mykhailo Rudavskyi appeared for Shakhtar.

Tied half

Already at the start of the match, Shakhtar created a great chance: Buleza broke into the penalty area through the left flank, and Chyruk took advantage of the deflected ball to try to send it inside the far corner of Zborschyk’s goal. Mariupol responded with a goal: Semenko raced past several defenders and sent it past Turbaievskyi from outside the goal area, making it 1-0. The Miners could equalize after Prykhodko had played one-two with Buleza, but the defender sent the ball high from a favourable position. The Orange-and-Blacks created another chance after Prykhodko's cross, but none of Shakhtar players were near the far post. In the 37th minute, Shakhtar still equalized: Buleza delivered it into the penalty area, and Mykytyshyn flicked the ball home to make it 1-1. Immediately after that, Rudavskyi’s 30-metre attempt was close to be converted into a stunning goal, but Sborschyk managed to reach the ball.

Lost opportunity

After the break, the Miners looked much fresher than their opponents which forced the players of Mariupol to foul. Already by the 55th minute, two players of Maruipol earned yellow cards. The first dangerous chance was created by Khromei, but the host defender turned the ball for a corner. Then Kobak made a tight-angle attempt just to have the ball saved by the keeper. At the end of the match, Shakhtar could score twice after long-rangers by Kobak and Khromei - both went high. In the 86th minute, Kobak's active performance in the opposing penalty area led to a spot-kick, but Prykhodko was unable to score from the spot (goalkeeper save). A minute away from time, Mariupol’s Prokopchuk fouled on Kobak and earned a second yellow card and left his team short-handed.

In the next round on April 16, the Miners will host Dynamo Kyiv.

Mariupol U21 1-1 (1-1) Shakhtar Donetsk U21

Goals: 1-0 Symenko (7’), 1-1 Mykytyshyn (37’)

Missed penalty: Prykhodko (86’ – goalkeeper save)

Shakhtar U21: Turbaievskyi, Rudavskyi (Egbudjo - 78’), Udod, Yakub (c), Buleza, Shostak (Honcharuk - 74’), Prykhodko, Svityukha (Kobak - 60’), Khromei, Mykytyshyn (Sholar - 64’), Chyruk

Sent off: Prokopchuk (89’ - second booking)