The Donetsk 'Shakhtar' started the first round of the Europa League playoffs with a home match against French 'Rennes', which took place in Warsaw.

The players of Igor Jovinevich secured third place in Group F of the Champions League and qualified for the Europa League. There they began their journey from the preliminary round of playoffs, where they were drawn against 'Rennes', which, by the way, played in the same group as Kyiv's 'Dynamo' in the UEL. Due to Russian aggression, the miners had to host their opponent in Warsaw.

For Shakhtar, this was their first official match of 2023, which did not significantly impact the Ukrainian team’s play. As well as the absence of Mudryk, who over winter became a player for London's 'Chelsea'. Yes, on the 11th minute, Kryskiv opened the score, replacing Mykhail in the left flank of attack. Mykhaylichenko connected from the wing and shot at an acute angle, but Mandanda parried it; however, Dmitry was first to the rebound. 1:0.

After this, the ball was controlled by Rennes, and Trubin had to save after a free-kick from Bourigeaud and a one-on-one mistake by Bondarenko that led to Toco Ekambi's shot. However, at the end of the first half, Shakhtar doubled their lead - Bondarenko scored a penalty for fouling Konoplyanka by Uguchi. 2:0.

Photo uefa.com

At the start of the second half, the miners had a chance but then mostly defended. Trubin had to save from dangerous shots by Bourigeaud and Truffert; however, on the 59th minute Rennes scored one goal back. Dokou delivered a cross from the left flank, and Toco Ekambi closed the far post. 2:1.

Shakhtar responded with a shot over the bar by Stepanenko after a corner kick and an unsuccessful attempt by Zubkov to score off a rebound. After that, Rennes did not have any dangerous moments, while one of their defenders fouled Sikanych on the 83rd minute.

Photo uefa.com

In summary, the miners held their minimal lead and secured a victory on home ground. The return match will take place in Rennes at Roazhon Park on February 23.

Among Shakhtar's players who participated in the game were those called up for the last national team training camp: Trubin, Bondar, Matviyenko, Mykhaylichenko (yellow card), Stepanenko (yellow card), Zubkov (yellow card).

Europa League. Preliminary Round. First Leg

'Shakhtar' (Ukraine) — 'Rennes' (France) — 2:1 (2:0)

Goals: Kryskiv (11), Bondarenko (45+1, from the penalty spot) — Toco Ekambi (59).

'Shakhtar': Trubin, Konoplyanka, Bondar, Matviyenko, Mykhaylichenko, Stepanenko (c), Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sukhachev, Kryskiv (Petryak, 77), Traore (Sikanych, 77).

Substitutes: Shevchenko, Pyatov, Jurasek, Kelcey, Topalov, Taylor, Farina, Nazarina, Kozik, Rakitsky.

Coach: Igor Jovinevich.

'Rennes': Mandanda, Spence, Omar, Belochan, Truffert, Dokou (Salah, 71), Bourigeaud (c) (Santamaria, 77), Toco Ekambi (Maier, 77), Kalimuendo-Muinga (Melin, 86), Guirri (D. Doue, 71).

Substitutes: Alemdar, Saleh, Rodon, Teat, Vu, Taiit, G. Doue.

Coach: Bruno Genesio.

Referee: Irfan Pelto (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Yellow cards: Stepanenko (40), Mykhaylichenko (85), Zubkov (85) — Bourigeaud (43), Uguchi (57), Omar (85).

February 16. Warsaw. Stadion Wielki Warszawski.