In the 5th round of the Champions League group stage, Donetsk's Shakhtar met Belgian Antwerp in Hamburg, Germany.

Shakhtar's sensational victory over Barcelona (1:0) allowed them to aim for a place in the Champions League knockout stages. To maintain their chances, they needed another three points against Antwerp. We note that Marino Pušić could not rely on Konoplyanik and Nazarina today.

The orange-and-black team started the match well, and while Nwerton's shot went past the far post, Matviyenko nodded in Zubkov's free-kick to open the scoring. Later, Antwerp took control of the game, with Mu's dangerous attempt being saved by Riznik. At the end of the first half, Shakhtar missed a good opportunity: Nwerton failed to beat Bute in close combat, and Sudakov hit the crossbar from close range.

The second half began with pressure from Antwerp—the defense and goalkeeper of the miners endured several uncomfortable moments. In turn, Donetsk responded with two excellent long-range shots, but both Azarov and Stepanenko hit the crossbar.

Towards the end of the match, the Ukrainians focused on preserving their lead. In stoppage time, Shakhtar had chances to score again, but Bondarenko and Sudakov failed to capitalize. Alderweireld twice shot at goal for Antwerp—Riznik held firm. Ultimately, the miners secured a narrow victory and guaranteed themselves at least a place in the Europa League.

In the lineup of Shakhtar, players who were called up for the November national team squad participated: Riznik (yellow card), Matviyenko (goal), Bondar, Stepanenko, Zubkov (assist), Sudakov, Sykan (substituted in 90+6).

Champions League. Group stage. Group N

5th round

Shakhtar (Ukraine) — Antwerp (Belgium) — 1:0 (1:0)

Goal: Matviyenko (12).

Shakhtar: Riznik, Gocholishvili, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarov, Stepanenko (c), Zubkov, Sudakov, Kryskiv (Kelsi, 89), Nwerton (Bondarenko, 70), Sykan (Rakitsky, 90+6).

Substitutes: Rudko, Lemkin, Castillo, Eginaldo, Topalov, Pedrinho, Ocheretnyk, Kozik, Kashuk.

Coach: Marino Pušić.

Antwerp: Bute, Weindall, Alderweireld (c), Kulibali, Batay, Vermeren, Yusuf (Ilenihena, 73), Kerck (Edjouke, 46), Baliquisha, Muia, Janssen.

Substitutes: Devalkenere, Lammens, van den Bosch, Smits, Corbani.

Coach: Mark van Bommel.

Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (Poland).

Yellow cards: Gocholishvili (83), Riznik (90+7) — Kulibali (30), Kerck (45+1), Muia (90+4).

Red card: Muia (90+7, 'A').

28 November. Hamburg. "Volksparkstadion".

Barcelona (Spain) — Porto (Portugal) — 2:1 (1:1)

Standings

6th round

13.12.2023

Porto — Shakhtar (22:00)

Antwerp — Barcelona (22:00)