Ukrainian Premier League kicks off new football season: results of the first round and key highlights
From the very beginning of August, Ukrainian football has entered a new phase of excitement and competition, as the eagerly awaited first round of the Ukrainian Premier League has commenced, marking the start of a fresh football season across the country.
This opening round has already delivered numerous thrilling encounters and intense matches that have captured the attention of fans nationwide and beyond.
The reigning champion, Dynamo Kyiv, will begin their campaign with a showdown against Veres from Rivne, a team eager to achieve even greater success and make their mark in the league.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk will face a new member of the UPL — Epitsentr from Lviv, a recently formed team that has quickly gained recognition for its promising gameplay and potential.
The schedule for the first round features fast-paced and competitive games held across various stadiums, including: Kolos Stadium in Kovalivka, where "Kolos" will duel with "Kryvbas"; Ukraine Stadium in Lviv, hosting a match between "Lviv" and "Rukh"; Avangard Stadium in Rivne, where "Rukh" will face "Poltava"; Obolon Arena in Kyiv, with a game between "Veres" and "Dynamo"; Ternopil's city stadium hosting "Kudrivka" versus "Olexandriya"; in Lviv, a tough battle between "Epitsentr" and "Shakhtar"; and the final matches of the round will take place in Zhytomyr between "Polissya" and "Metalist 1925".
Given the wartime conditions, some stadiums may experience interruptions during air raid alerts, but seating areas are partially open for spectators.
Last season concluded with Dynamo Kyiv lifting the championship trophy, with Oleksandriya earning their first-ever silver medals in club history.
Shakhtar finished third in the league standings.
Notably, Shakhtar once again defeated Istanbul's Besiktas in the Europa League and advanced to the next round, where they will face Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Additionally, it was previously reported that Polissya from Zhytomyr secured a dominating victory in the Conference League qualifying round, smashing the team from Andorra, demonstrating their high level of preparation and fighting spirit.