Champions League. Shakhtar lost in the first round of the group stage to the debutant of the tournament

15.09.2021 22:38

Photo by uefa.com

For Shakhtar, the start of the tournament for the best clubs in Europe is the 16th in history, while his opponent played his debut match at this level after overcoming four rounds of qualification this season.

The team from Tiraspol achieved historic success under the leadership of Ukrainian coach Yuriy Vernydub, who had to know perfectly well how to counter the miners. And, in the end, the first half only confirmed this assumption. The Sheriff's players were perfectly positioned and moved during the defensive phase of the game, blocking the miners' directions of sharpening passes. Donetsk, having long owned the ball, played it at a very slow pace, even constantly narrowing the front of the attack. In general, the passes almost did not reach Lassina Traore and Pedrinho, who barricaded in front.

But Tiraspol's Traore, Adam, quickly found an opportunity for a striking blow. Aunt cut on the flank, Cristiano ran along the sideline and shot into the center, and Ismaili lost the fight to the home midfielder. 1: 0. In fairness, it should be noted that the considerable shortage of Shakhtar players was caused largely by a too wet lawn, to which they were not accustomed and constantly slipped and fell on it.

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After the missed ball, the orange and blacks tried to add in speed and aggression, but they did not succeed. The only time in the half the Pitmen played a potential goal combination, when Lassina Traore, receiving a pass in the penalty area from Fernando back to goal, was able to instantly turn around and break under the crossbar, but Athanasiadis pulled the ball out from under the crossbar.

In the second half, with the release of Marlos, Shakhtar's attacks became sharper. Donetsk refused to long roll the ball in their half, more actively used the flanks. The same Marlos in the 51st minute after the transfer of Fernando struck quite dangerously from the bottom, but Athanasiadis controlled the situation, as well as a few minutes later after a shot by Pedrinho.  

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Once again, Shakhtar's counterattack came as a surprise. As in the first half, the right flank of the guests' defense failed, and Cristiano fired another shot, to which Jansane responded. 2: 0.

De Derby's wards were not able to get away from such a knockdown immediately. In the final part of the match, Donetsk still laid siege to the Sheriff's penalty area, but the hosts from time to time carried out dangerous counterattacks, and Pyatov had to save the team from the third missed ball.

As part of Shakhtar, the game was attended by players called up for the September training camp of the national team of Ukraine, — Pyatov and Matvienko.

Photo by uefa.com

Champions League. Group round. Group D

1 round

Sheriff (Moldova) - Shakhtar (Ukraine) - 2: 0 (1: 0)

Goals: A. Traore (16), Jansane (62).  

"Sheriff": Athanasiadis, Fernando K., Arboleda, Dulanto, Cristiano, Till, Addo (Radelich, 85), A. Traore, Castaneda (k) (Nikolov, 85), Kolovos (Jansane, 55), Yahshiboev (Bruno, 67).

Substitutions: Apprentice, Pashchenko, Julien, Kozhokar, Kozhokaru.

Trainer: Yuriy Vernidub.

Shakhtar: Pyatov (k), Dodo, Marlon, Matvienko, Ismaili, Marcos Antonio (Alan Patrick, 65), Maicon, Tete (Marlos, 46), Pedrino, Fernando S. (Mudrik, 65), L. Traore.

Substitutions: Shevchenko, Vitao, Stepanenko, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Konoplya, Kornienko, Sikan, Bondar.

Trainer: Roberto de Derby.

Referee: Denise Aitekin (Germany).

Booked: Dulanto (42).

September 15. Tiraspol. Sheriff's Stadium.

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