It was a crucial match
Monday, May 4, 2026
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Shakhtar women’s team head coach Roman Zaiev commented on the victory over Vorskla
– It was a crucial match for us for several reasons. First of all, after the heavy defeat in the previous round against Metalist 1925, we prepared the team with the understanding that we had to make amends as we needed to earn respect and the appropriate attitude, taking into account all the negatives. We understood that Vorskla are not in their best condition, but they are still an ambitious side, so I’m twice as satisfied that Shakhtar secured the victory.
– Vorskla, despite significant changes in the squad, continue to compete for the top positions. What is the key feature of this team after the rebuild?
– If we talk about the battle for third spot in the league table, then given the number of points Vorskla have collected, they have the conditions to aim for finishing the season in the top three. At the same time, Kolos are also targeting third spot, and the importance of the match between them in the previous round showed that Vorskla, even with the changes, are capable of competing with opponents who have similar ambitions. The victory in the last round is proof that this team cannot be written off.
– Yeva Balatska scored her debut goal for Shakhtar and opened the scoring in the match, but suffered an injury in the second half. What is known about her condition and how do you assess her impact on the victory over Vorskla?
– We paid a lot of attention to set pieces during preparation for this match. Using Yeva’s physical presence and height, we focused on the possibility of converting chances from dead-ball situations. Balatska was included in the training programme, and her goal was bound to come sooner or later. Congratulations to her on her debut goal for Shakhtar and I wish her further success in the future. What happened towards the end of the match was a consequence of game intensity and her youth: she was unable to fully handle the load given these factors, so she was substituted.
– Shakhtar will play away against Seasters in the next round. What will the preparation for the upcoming clash be like?
First of all, we need to recover physically and mentally after the match with Vorskla, so the players will have a day off on Monday. Then we will begin preparations and analyse the opponents, taking into account their ambitions in the table and squad reinforcements after transfers. We will prepare and try to impose a strong fight on Seasters.
– Vorskla, despite significant changes in the squad, continue to compete for the top positions. What is the key feature of this team after the rebuild?
– If we talk about the battle for third spot in the league table, then given the number of points Vorskla have collected, they have the conditions to aim for finishing the season in the top three. At the same time, Kolos are also targeting third spot, and the importance of the match between them in the previous round showed that Vorskla, even with the changes, are capable of competing with opponents who have similar ambitions. The victory in the last round is proof that this team cannot be written off.
– Yeva Balatska scored her debut goal for Shakhtar and opened the scoring in the match, but suffered an injury in the second half. What is known about her condition and how do you assess her impact on the victory over Vorskla?
– We paid a lot of attention to set pieces during preparation for this match. Using Yeva’s physical presence and height, we focused on the possibility of converting chances from dead-ball situations. Balatska was included in the training programme, and her goal was bound to come sooner or later. Congratulations to her on her debut goal for Shakhtar and I wish her further success in the future. What happened towards the end of the match was a consequence of game intensity and her youth: she was unable to fully handle the load given these factors, so she was substituted.
– Shakhtar will play away against Seasters in the next round. What will the preparation for the upcoming clash be like?
First of all, we need to recover physically and mentally after the match with Vorskla, so the players will have a day off on Monday. Then we will begin preparations and analyse the opponents, taking into account their ambitions in the table and squad reinforcements after transfers. We will prepare and try to impose a strong fight on Seasters.