The second meeting with the Bulgarian club "Zorya" approached while the team was in a difficult personnel situation. Due to various reasons, six players ended up on the bench, among whom only four were field players. With such limited resources, they had to face an opponent who seriously prepared for revenge after the home defeat two weeks ago.

The guests tried to give the game an intense character by using medium and long passes, high pressing. Lugansk responded to the challenge, and the match proceeded at a high pace with many one-on-one situations. However, surprisingly, there were difficulties in creating goal-scoring opportunities. CSKA managed only a few shots from distance in the first half, while "Zorya" had a dangerous attempt after Allahtyar's cross, which was saved by the goalkeeper.

After halftime, there was still a noticeable lack of action in the players' movements. Homchenovskiy made a serious mistake near his own goal but managed to avoid an offside trap when he lost possession and two CSKA players were caught offside. Overall, the guests attacked more in the second half but failed to score. In contrast, "Zorya," withstanding the pressure, scored at the end of the game. Shakhab took the ball from Lama, advanced into the penalty area, and delivered a decisive shot. Then, in stoppage time, Allahtyar finished off a counterattack with another goal after receiving a pass from Shakhab. 2:0, and Lugansk keeps its chances to advance from the group.

Conference League Group Stage. Group C

4th Matchday

"Zorya" (Ukraine) — CSKA (Bulgaria) — 2:0 (0:0)

Goals: Shakhab (87), Allahtyar (90+5).

"Zorya": Matcupura, Favorsov, Vernydub (c), Imerekov, Snurnitsyn (Juninho, 71), Zwek, Homchenovskiy, Buletsa (Alefirenko, 90), Shakhab, Lunyov (Kristian, 78), Allahtyar.

Substitutes: Saputin, Zhilkin, Gladkyi.

Coach: Viktor Skripnik.

CSKA: Buzatto, Turitsov, Mattay (c), Lama, Maziku, Yuga (Krastev, 89), Jefferson, Wildschut (Be, 72), Iomov, Keri, Kaisedo (Ahmedov, 83).

Substitutes: Yevtimov, Valera, Chatakovic, Donchev, Muhar, Galabov.

Referee: Petr Viljanen (Finland).

Yellow cards: Vernydub (56), Snurnitsyn (70), Shakhab (76).

November 4. Zaporizhzhia. "Slavutich Arena" stadium.

"Roma" (Italy) — "Bodo/Glimt" (Norway) — 2:2

Standings

5th Matchday

November 25, 2021

"Roma" (Italy) — "Zorya" (Ukraine) 

"Bodo/Glimt" (Norway) — CSKA (Bulgaria)