However taking part in Tuesday’s match a whole lot of miles away within the German metropolis of Hamburg due to the battle at residence didn’t stop Danylo Sikan securing a well-known victory over the five-time European winners with a dipping header within the fortieth minute.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Shakhtar Donetsk’s shock 1-0 Champions League win in opposition to Barcelona was hailed by coach Marino Pusic as “solely the start” for the membership and an necessary step ahead for soccer in beleaguered Ukraine.
The Ukrainian aspect haven’t been capable of play at their Donbass Enviornment in Donetsk, now occupied by Russia, since 2014.
However taking part in Tuesday’s match a whole lot of miles away within the German metropolis of Hamburg due to the battle at residence didn’t stop Danylo Sikan securing a well-known victory over the five-time European winners with a dipping header within the fortieth minute.
Barcelona nonetheless lead Group H forward of second-placed Porto, who beat Royal Antwerp 2-0, however Shakhtar play the Belgians on November 28 — they already beat them 3-2 in October — and will probably be assured of one other victory that might give them a real likelihood of reaching the knockout spherical.
“It is rather candy. However it’s candy not just for me. In fact, I’m very glad, however I’m tremendously happy with my gamers and all folks on the membership who’ve labored very onerous to assist me obtain what we achieved tonight,” Pusic, a Croat, mentioned.
“Sadly, due to the scenario within the nation, you may name this a house recreation however for us it’s a great half — the travelling, and typically we’d like one or two days additional to get better in fact,” he added.
“It isn’t really easy… It’s important additionally for Ukrainian soccer to symbolize the nation in Europe like we did tonight.”
Even when Shakhtar fail to achieve the knockout levels of the Champions League, a third-place end within the group would give them a ticket to the Europa League, the place they may come up in opposition to a few of Europe’s massive names together with Liverpool and Ajax.
“If we obtain that (final 16), it could be improbable. If not then to remain in Europe would even be a terrific achievement, wonderful achievement even, for this membership beneath these circumstances,” Pusic mentioned.
Georgiy Sudakov, named man of the match, mentioned Pusic had taken him apart after the sport.
“He mentioned (to me): ‘Belief me, that is solely the start,'” Sudakov mentioned.
Shakhtar held their very own from the beginning.
Barcelona had received the primary match between the perimeters in October 2-1 however this time Pusic’s workforce shut down the reigning Spanish league champions, who produced a solitary shot on the right track.
Shakhtar pressured Marc-Andre ter Stegen into the primary save of the sport, with the German goalkeeper denying Mykola Matviyenko.
Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha lashed over from distance as Barca had been pressured again by dogged Ukrainian defending and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski appeared woefully out of shape on his return to Germany, the place he had starred for Bayern Munich for thus a few years.
The hosts took the lead a couple of minutes earlier than half-time, slicing the guests open when Giorgi Gocholeishvili took benefit of Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso being a great distance out of place.
The total-back crossed for Sikan, who beat Andreas Christensen to go past the attain of Ter Stegen.
Shakhtar’s newest Brazilian import, the 18-year-old Newerton, scored a shocking second within the ultimate levels nevertheless it was chalked off for offside — it could have been an outstanding technique to crown an excellent evening for Pusic’s workforce.
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