We will do everything to win the Ukrainian Cup again
Thursday, April 3, 2025
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Shakhtar defender Valerii Bondar analysed the Cup clash with Oleksandriia (1-0)
– Valerii, congratulations on the win! How can you assess this victory over Oleksandriia in the Ukrainian Cup quarter-finals in terms of importance?
– It was a crucial victory because we haven't been able to win in the championship for a long time. I think it was an uncompromising game for us and a very important victory.
– What did Shakhtar lack in order to score in regular time?
– Probably more aggression in the third phase, more dominance we aim for, and we should take into account the opponents’ resistance – they are a good team that fight against everyone and play against Shakhtar, with Dynamo on equal terms.
– Did you think before the game that there would be extra time?
– Of course, this is the Ukrainian Cup, and every mistake is very costly, so the teams were probably cautious in regular time, 90–95 minutes, but they knew extra time was still ahead. We understood that this could happen and were ready for it as well.
– What are your personal conclusions after this match?
– I congratulate everyone on the victory, and there’s only one conclusion – we advanced further, to the semis. This is our goal, our task and we will do everything to win the Ukrainian Cup again.
– How important is it for the team to win the Ukrainian Cup trophy for the second year in a row?
– It is very important for Shakhtar to always win the Ukrainian Cup, the league, and, if possible, the Ukrainian Super Cup every season. Every trophy is very important for us, for our fans – we want to please them with victories. So this is very important for us.
– It was a crucial victory because we haven't been able to win in the championship for a long time. I think it was an uncompromising game for us and a very important victory.
– What did Shakhtar lack in order to score in regular time?
– Probably more aggression in the third phase, more dominance we aim for, and we should take into account the opponents’ resistance – they are a good team that fight against everyone and play against Shakhtar, with Dynamo on equal terms.
– Did you think before the game that there would be extra time?
– Of course, this is the Ukrainian Cup, and every mistake is very costly, so the teams were probably cautious in regular time, 90–95 minutes, but they knew extra time was still ahead. We understood that this could happen and were ready for it as well.
– What are your personal conclusions after this match?
– I congratulate everyone on the victory, and there’s only one conclusion – we advanced further, to the semis. This is our goal, our task and we will do everything to win the Ukrainian Cup again.
– How important is it for the team to win the Ukrainian Cup trophy for the second year in a row?
– It is very important for Shakhtar to always win the Ukrainian Cup, the league, and, if possible, the Ukrainian Super Cup every season. Every trophy is very important for us, for our fans – we want to please them with victories. So this is very important for us.