Conference League: Results of the First Matches and Ukrainian Clubs’ Prospects in European Competitions
On Thursday, August 21, Ukrainian football clubs took their initial steps into the new European season, holding matches in the qualifying playoff rounds of the Conference League.
Donetsk’s Shakhtar and Zhytomyr’s Polissya started their campaigns with high ambitions and a desire to secure spots in the prestigious tournament’s group stage.
In Kraków, the ‘Ghirnyky’ faced Swiss side Servette, ending in a 1:1 draw — a result that sets the stage for an intriguing second leg.
The match opened unexpectedly with a goal from Fomba, who capitalized on a defensive error in the center of Shakhtar’s defense and scored with a header after a corner kick.
Throughout the first 45 minutes, the Ukrainian team struggled to break down the Swiss defense, showing quick counterattacks but failing to convert their chances.
The main threat came from Alisson, a Brazilian forward, who created several dangerous moments but couldn’t finish his opportunities.
In the second half, Shakhtar equalized through a corner — Bondar, after a Marlon assist, headed the ball into the net.
The Ukrainians pressed heavily, unleashing nearly thirty shots on goal but ultimately could not secure a victory.
The match ended with a 1:1 draw.
Starting lineup for Shakhtar included Ríznik, Pedro Enrique, Matviyenko, Bondar, Vinícius, Sudaikov, Marlon Gomes, Pedrinho (Lukas Ferreira, 77), Nevertón (Kevin, 46), Elias (Bondarenko, 65), and Alisson.
The Swiss team featured MALL, Maziku, Baron, Bronn, Serdjano_vic, Njo, Fomba, Konya, Stevanovich (Manyin, 84), Antunes (Jellou, 46, Morandi, 84), and Varela (Mraz, 77).
Yellow cards were shown to Vinícius and Njo.Meanwhile, Polissya suffered a heavy defeat in Slovakia against Italian side Fiorentina, losing 0:3.
The Ukrainian team conceded two goals in the first half — one from Kin (which was an own goal) and another from Gosens.
In the second half, playing with ten men after Kin’s red card, Polissya conceded a third goal from Gudmundsson.
Despite the disappointment, the team had several promising moments that could have troubled Fiorentina’s legendary goalkeeper De Hea.
However, a lack of finishing skill prevented converting opportunities into goals.
The 0:3 result leaves the Ukrainian team with chances to recover in the upcoming second leg on August 27.
The winners will advance to the main stage of the Conference League, while the losers will end their European season.
The upcoming matches promise to be intense, with both Ukrainian clubs eager to progress further, demonstrating strength and determination.
In Italy, additional information regarding the local time zone has been provided to help fans plan and follow the matches conveniently, keeping Ukrainian supporters informed and engaged.
This situation opens new opportunities and prospects for Ukrainian football in the upcoming season.