There will be no easy matches
Friday, August 28, 2026
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Shakhtar defender Oleksandr Karavaiev reflects on the team’s opponents in the UEFA Champions League league phase
– Oleksandr, the Champions League draw has taken place. Share your thoughts on the ceremony and the opponents Shakhtar have been drawn against.
– It was interesting, although it’s not clear how the computer chooses the teams because we used to see each team being drawn separately, but this was interesting too. As for the opponents, for some reason I thought we would definitely get Real Madrid – and that’s what happened. I hadn’t thought about the other clubs, but among the teams we were drawn against, I can single out Fenerbahçe. I played for them, and I played against them in the Champions League qualifying rounds, so they are familiar opponents.
– Given the opponents, how would you assess Shakhtar’s chances of reaching the next round?
– I think they are good. Of course, it will be very difficult against the top teams, but all the others are more or less at the same level, so it will probably come down to desire and commitment on the pitch.
– Which match could be the most difficult?
– The most difficult opponents will be those we underestimate psychologically or mentally. If we think our opponents are beatable, it will be difficult. If we don’t – and I’m sure the coaching staff will emphasise this so that every player understands there will be no easy matches – then we won’t face these problems.
– How does it feel to be about to play in the Champions League again?
– It’s a privilege, as they say. It means you’ve done everything right in your football career and reached the point where life has given you another chance to play in the Champions League. So of course I’m very happy about it!
– It was interesting, although it’s not clear how the computer chooses the teams because we used to see each team being drawn separately, but this was interesting too. As for the opponents, for some reason I thought we would definitely get Real Madrid – and that’s what happened. I hadn’t thought about the other clubs, but among the teams we were drawn against, I can single out Fenerbahçe. I played for them, and I played against them in the Champions League qualifying rounds, so they are familiar opponents.
– Given the opponents, how would you assess Shakhtar’s chances of reaching the next round?
– I think they are good. Of course, it will be very difficult against the top teams, but all the others are more or less at the same level, so it will probably come down to desire and commitment on the pitch.
– Which match could be the most difficult?
– The most difficult opponents will be those we underestimate psychologically or mentally. If we think our opponents are beatable, it will be difficult. If we don’t – and I’m sure the coaching staff will emphasise this so that every player understands there will be no easy matches – then we won’t face these problems.
– How does it feel to be about to play in the Champions League again?
– It’s a privilege, as they say. It means you’ve done everything right in your football career and reached the point where life has given you another chance to play in the Champions League. So of course I’m very happy about it!