Dnipro Donetsk 'Shakhtar' began their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 campaign with a home match against the Dutch 'Feyenoord', which took place in Warsaw.

In the knockout round, the miners advanced past French 'Rennes' after winning on penalties in a shootout. Now, 'Shakhtar' faces 'Feyenoord', who qualified directly to the Round of 16 by finishing first in their group. Due to Russia's invasion, our team played their home game in Warsaw. It should be noted that Igor Yovchiv had to deal with defensive issues as Konoplya, Bondar, and Mykhailychenko were suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

The first half was marked by a minimum of chances. The teams started evenly but over time 'Feyenoord' became more aggressive in pressing and approached the opponent's penalty area more often, while 'Shakhtar' tried to counterattack. Trubin made several interventions, though none of the opponents' shots were dangerous.

Photo feyenoord.nl

After halftime, the Dutch increased their pressure and regularly threatened 'Shakhtar's' goal. Jaghanbash from the penalty area hit just wide of the post, while Trubin pulled off a save from Perreira's header "for the corner." The Ukrainians responded with an inaccurate attempt by Zubkov from distance.

However, on the 79th minute 'Shakhtar' unexpectedly scored - Sudaiko's corner kick was met by Rakitskyi's diving header. Feyenoord threw men forward in response, including a miss by Jaghanbash and Gertreide from good positions. But on the 88th minute, Feyenoord substitute Buljaude equalized with a finish to Pijl's cross. The score was 1-1; the return leg will be played on March 16 in Rotterdam.

Photo feyenoord.nl

In the lineup, several players called up by Ruslan Rotan for the March national team training camp participated in the match: Trubin, Matviyenko, Stepanenko, Zubkov (substituted on 77th minute), Sudaiko (corner kick assist, substituted on 90th minute), Bondarenko (substituted on 90th minute).

UEFA Europa League. Round of 16. First leg

'Shakhtar' (Ukraine) — 'Feyenoord' (Netherlands) — 1-1 (0-0)

Goals: Rakitskyi (79) — Buljaude (88).

'Shakhtar': Trubin, Taylor, Matviyenko, Rakitskyi, Topalov, Stepanenko (c), Zubkov (Shevchenko, 77), Bondarenko (Nazaryna, 90), Sudaiko (Petryak, 90), Kryskiv (Jurasek, 63), Traore (Kelsi, 63).

Substitutes: Shevchenko, Pyatov, Totovic, Sikanc, Ocheretnyk, Farina.

Coach: Igor Yovichiv.

'Feyenoord': Vellenroether, Pedersen (Trauner, 57), Gertreide, Hantzko, Hartman, Wiffers, Kecky (c), Shimansky (Dilrosun, 72), Jaghanbash (Buljaude, 86), Pereira, Idressi (Pijl, 72).

Substitutes: Marciano, Trost, Rasmussen, Lopez, Taabuni, Kasanviro, Milambo.

Referee: Ivan Kruzlyak (Slovakia).

Yellow card: Wiffers (70).

March 9. Warsaw. Stadion Wojska Polskiego.