It became easier after the goal
Thursday, April 9, 2026
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Shakhtar U19 midfielder Viktor Tsukanov reflects on the win over Karpaty U19
– Vіktor, Shakhtar U19 beat Karpaty U19 at home in the rescheduled National League MD17 game. How would you describe the match and how important is this victory?
– At the moment, every match is important, especially this rescheduled fixture, the result of which allowed us to pull away from our nearest rivals in the championship. It has been a tough week, as we have to play three matches, which is physically demanding. The most important thing is that we step out and prove that it does not affect us and that we can play even every day.
– Shakhtar U19 had more possession in the opponents’ half. Did you face difficulties breaking down a compact defence?
– There were certain difficulties, but we managed to find a way through a back five in the end. We played through the centre, used long passes and the flanks. At times we lacked technical sharpness, but we are capable of breaking down any defence in the league.
– There were quite a few fouls during the match, and it was after an opponents’ set piece that Shakhtar U19 were able to launch a quick attack which ended with your goal. Tell us about the moment and how much easier the game became after the goal.
– There was a set piece, and I was in the wall at that moment. After the clearance, I noticed that the last Karpaty U19 defender hesitated, I took advantage of that mistake, passed the ball to Tiutiunov, who hit the post. Then, fortunately, I found myself in the right position and struck the ball at goal. It became easier after the goal as the team calmed down a bit.
– What instructions does the coaching staff give you during this important period?
– The coaches emphasise that every match is important and there are no easy games. Everyone understands that there may be no other chances, so we have to go out on the pitch and win.
– At the moment, every match is important, especially this rescheduled fixture, the result of which allowed us to pull away from our nearest rivals in the championship. It has been a tough week, as we have to play three matches, which is physically demanding. The most important thing is that we step out and prove that it does not affect us and that we can play even every day.
– Shakhtar U19 had more possession in the opponents’ half. Did you face difficulties breaking down a compact defence?
– There were certain difficulties, but we managed to find a way through a back five in the end. We played through the centre, used long passes and the flanks. At times we lacked technical sharpness, but we are capable of breaking down any defence in the league.
– There were quite a few fouls during the match, and it was after an opponents’ set piece that Shakhtar U19 were able to launch a quick attack which ended with your goal. Tell us about the moment and how much easier the game became after the goal.
– There was a set piece, and I was in the wall at that moment. After the clearance, I noticed that the last Karpaty U19 defender hesitated, I took advantage of that mistake, passed the ball to Tiutiunov, who hit the post. Then, fortunately, I found myself in the right position and struck the ball at goal. It became easier after the goal as the team calmed down a bit.
– What instructions does the coaching staff give you during this important period?
– The coaches emphasise that every match is important and there are no easy games. Everyone understands that there may be no other chances, so we have to go out on the pitch and win.