The Ivano-Frankivsk 'Hurricane' concluded its participation in the elite round of the Football League Champions with a match against the Serbian club 'Laztica-Grad 2018'.

In the elite round, sixteen clubs were divided into four groups of four participants each. By the draw, 'Hurricane' ended up in Group A alongside Portuguese 'Sporting', Serbian 'Laztica-Grad 2018', and Italian 'Eboli'. The quartet's matches took place in the Italian city of Avellino. Winners of each of the four groups advanced to the final stage, which will take place in April-May 2023.

In previous matches, 'Hurricane' defeated the hosts in a mini-tournament with 'Eboli' (7:4) and lost to 'Sporting' (2:4). Therefore, for Ivanofrankivtsi to maintain their chances of finishing first in the group, they had to win against 'Laztica-Grad 2018' today.

At the start of the match, Korsun scored an offside goal. In response, the Serbs capitalized on their chance — at the sixth minute Dandan scored after a long shot. Later, Mykola Grytsyna, facing the goalkeeper, hit both posts. On the 18th minute, Mikhityuk's shot hit the crossbar. However, shortly thereafter, Swedish equalized from the flank to the center.

In the second half, Ukrainians tried to score a second goal while Serbs mostly played defensively. Nevertheless, both teams' goalkeepers had plenty of work. On the 37th minute, Mospan took advantage of an opponent's mistake and put 'Hurricane' ahead. After that, Balkan players had several opportunities but Ivanofrankivtsi managed to hold onto their lead.

Thus, after three matches, Maxim Pavlenko's team accumulated six points and secured second place in the group. This concludes 'Hurricane's' participation in the League Champions.

Football League Champions 2022/2023. Elite Round. Group A

November 26, 2022

'Laztica-Grad 2018' (Serbia) — 'Hurricane' (Ukraine) — 1:2 (1:1)

Goals: Dandan (6) — Swedish (19), Mospan (37).

'Laztica-Grad 2018': Vulich — Kocić, Dudu, Dandan, Ramič; Ničolić, Janić, Ristanović, Milosavljević.

'Hurricane': Savenko — Mikhityuk, Farenyuk, Korsun, Swedish; Gordiyevych, Khomyak, Myk. Grytsyna, Mik. Grytsyna, Terentiev, Dychuk, Masievič, Abakšin, Mospan.

Warned: Dandan (36), Dudu (37) — Korsun (13).

'Eboli' (Italy) — 'Sporting' (Portugal) — 0:5 (0:1)

Final Standings

In the finals, four teams will play: 'Benfica' (Portugal), 'Sporting' (Portugal), 'Palma' (Spain) and 'Anderlecht' (Belgium).

The final knockout tournament involving four teams will take place on one venue in April or May 2023. The location, exact dates, as well as the draw date will be announced later.