The end of training camps

By decision of the head coaches, the friendly game consisted of two halves of 30 minutes each. Roberto De Zerbi involved a few U19 players in the game: defenders Maryan Farina and Andrii Buleza, who had trained with the first team, appeared in the starting XI along with the forward Vladyslav Pohorilyi. We want to mention the return of Manor Solomon to the pitch after his post-operation recovery.

Equal play

The Miners started the game more actively, with the opponents creating the first chance though: in the 7th minute, Lukili found himself one on one with Trubin, but the duel was won by the goalkeeper. The Miners’ answer followed immediately – Konoplia rolled the ball to Solomon whose attempt was blocked by Riga’s defender. The opponents carried out another series of attacks, but the orange-and-black defenders coped with every cross and high cross, especially Bondar and Buleza did well. Thus, the first half, which was quite eventful, lacked just goals scored.

Goalless draw

In the second 30-minute period, Roberto De Zerbi fielded Pyatov and Dodo instead of Trubin and Pohorilyi. Andriy immediately joined the play by intercepting Kamesh's dangerous cross. In front of the opposite goal, Pedrinho could have sent Solomon’s high ball home, but he did miss the ball by mere inches. In terms of dedication, 18-year-old Farina stands out, not only working hard defensively, but also trying to play long balls to create threats up front. Late in the game, the teams exchanged scoring chances: Pyatov helped out after a long-ranger by Riga, while Bondar's and Dodo's headers missed the target. 0-0 - Shakhtar tied with Riga in the final friendly.

This game concluded the Miners’ winter training camp in Turkey. The team are going to return to Kyiv, where they will continue their preparations for the UPL MD19 game against Metalist 1925 that takes place on February 26 in Kharkiv.

Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 (0-0) Riga

Belek, Regnum Sport Center

Shakhtar: Trubin (Pyatov 31’), Konoplya, Bondar (c), Farina, Buleza, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Neres, Pedrinho, Solomon, Pohorilyi (Dodo 31’)