We felt at home at Stamford Bridge
Thursday, October 15, 2026
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Shakhtar midfielder Pedrinho shared his thoughts after the victory over AEK in the UEFA Champions League (3-1)
– Congratulations on the win! The match against AEK was a very eventful one. After conceding the opening goal, did you expect the match to end in such a convincing victory?
– We knew from the very beginning that it would be a very difficult game because we were up against a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, we conceded first, but fortunately, we managed to turn the game around. We knew our potential from the very beginning, and the most important thing was that we didn’t give up, stayed calm in our hearts and minds, and managed to achieve a positive result.
– In your opinion, what did the team do wrong in the first instance when we conceded?
– We knew our opponents’ strengths, including their very effective counter-attacking play and their ability to take their chances. Unfortunately, we conceded in exactly that way too, but the most important thing is that we managed to stay positive and turn the game in our favour.
– An AEK player fouled Alisson, and you then converted the spot-kick as the team’s designated penalty taker. What was going through your mind as you stepped up to take it?
– We all know how difficult these situations can be and how much pressure they put on you in that moment. However, it’s important to stay fully focused, and I’m happy both with the team’s result and with the fact that I managed to score myself. Despite all the pressure, we still managed to come away with the win.
– FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov was in attendance at the match. How do you feel his support, and does it give you extra motivation?
– Of course, we’re very happy when the president is here in the stands. We know everything he does for the club, and at moments like these, we’re even more determined to give our all. We’re always happy to see him at our matches and grateful for everything he does. And not just him, but all Ukrainians who are fighting for a better future for us, everyone who is sacrificing themselves. This victory is for the entire Ukrainian nation.
– This was Shakhtar’s first home match at Stamford Bridge. Do you already feel at home here?
– Yes, it’s a very special feeling, with so many fans here. I really did feel at home. I hope we can attract even more fans to our upcoming matches and feel even better.
– We knew from the very beginning that it would be a very difficult game because we were up against a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, we conceded first, but fortunately, we managed to turn the game around. We knew our potential from the very beginning, and the most important thing was that we didn’t give up, stayed calm in our hearts and minds, and managed to achieve a positive result.
– In your opinion, what did the team do wrong in the first instance when we conceded?
– We knew our opponents’ strengths, including their very effective counter-attacking play and their ability to take their chances. Unfortunately, we conceded in exactly that way too, but the most important thing is that we managed to stay positive and turn the game in our favour.
– An AEK player fouled Alisson, and you then converted the spot-kick as the team’s designated penalty taker. What was going through your mind as you stepped up to take it?
– We all know how difficult these situations can be and how much pressure they put on you in that moment. However, it’s important to stay fully focused, and I’m happy both with the team’s result and with the fact that I managed to score myself. Despite all the pressure, we still managed to come away with the win.
– FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov was in attendance at the match. How do you feel his support, and does it give you extra motivation?
– Of course, we’re very happy when the president is here in the stands. We know everything he does for the club, and at moments like these, we’re even more determined to give our all. We’re always happy to see him at our matches and grateful for everything he does. And not just him, but all Ukrainians who are fighting for a better future for us, everyone who is sacrificing themselves. This victory is for the entire Ukrainian nation.
– This was Shakhtar’s first home match at Stamford Bridge. Do you already feel at home here?
– Yes, it’s a very special feeling, with so many fans here. I really did feel at home. I hope we can attract even more fans to our upcoming matches and feel even better.