Champions League: Shakhtar kicks off campaign with away draw against Bologna

18.09.2024 21:50

For Shakhtar Donetsk, the start of the Champions League was the 19th in the club's history. The miners entered the group stage directly as Ukrainian champions.

The Orange and Blacks began their Champions League campaign in its historic season with a single group stage featuring 36 teams. Shakhtar's first match was an away game against Bologna, who were making their debut in the tournament. It's worth noting that the UEFA Youth League match between the two clubs' U-19 teams was halted due to heavy rain in Italy, as weather conditions were challenging.

At the start of the game, Posch fouled Eginaldo in the penalty area, but Sudakov's penalty was saved by Skorupski. Bologna responded with a dangerous attempt from Castro after a flank delivery, which ended in a corner kick.

Overall, both teams struggled to maintain possession, and there were few goal-scoring opportunities. Towards the end of the first half, there were a few goal attempts, but accuracy was lacking. In added time, Riznyk saved a dangerous shot from Castro. Notably, Marino Pusic made two forced substitutions in the first half as Sikan and Konoplya suffered injuries.

The second half began with Riznyk making saves from Fabbian's shot from outside the box and Likoyannis's set-piece. Fabbian missed a close-range opportunity, with Shakhtar's goalkeeper once again coming to the rescue. Castro then had a dangerous attempt near the post and later nearly scored with a long-range shot.

Shakhtar tried to calm the hosts with a dangerous counter-attack from Zubkov, who was prevented from shooting at the last moment. In stoppage time, Bologna had their chances but failed to score. Thus, the Ukrainian team started their campaign with an away draw — 0:0.

In the Shakhtar lineup, players from the national team who were named by Serhiy Rebrov for the September Nations League matches included: Matviyenko, Konoplya (substituted in the 41st minute), Bondar (yellow card), Sudakov (missed penalty, substituted in the 78th minute), and Stepanenko (yellow card, substituted in the 78th minute).

Champions League 2024/2025. League Phase

Bologna — Shakhtar - 0:0

In the 4th minute, Sudakov (Shakhtar) missed a penalty (goalkeeper).

Bologna: Skorupski, Posch, Beukema, Lukumi, Likoyannis (Miranda, 78), Fabbian (Urban, 78), Freuler, Moro (Pobega, 65), Orsolini (c) (Iling-Junior, 65), Castro (Dallinga, 65), Ndoye.

Substitutes: Ravaglia, Holm, Erlic, Kazale, Corazza, Aebischer, Odhor.

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano.

Shakhtar: Riznyk, Konoplya (Tobias, 41), Bondar, Matviyenko (c), Pedro Henrique, Bondarenko (Stepanenko, 78), Kryskiv, Sudakov (Marlon, 78), Zubkov (Traore, 78), Sikan (Newerton, 35), Eginaldo.

Substitutes: Fesyun, Franjic, Shved, Azarov, Hram, Nazaryna, Pedrinho.

Coach: Marino Pusic.

Referee: Rohit Saggi (Norway).

Booked: Posch (3), Castro (58) — Bondar (12), Tobias (70), Stepanenko (84), Marlon (88).

September 18. Bologna. Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.

Standings

Bologna — Shakhtar - 0:0

October 2, 2024

Shakhtar — Atalanta (19:45)

October 22, 2024

Arsenal — Shakhtar (22:00)

November 6, 2024

Shakhtar — Young Boys (19:45)

November 27, 2024

PSV — Shakhtar (22:00)

December 10, 2024

Shakhtar — Bayern Munich (22:00)

January 22, 2025

Shakhtar — Brest (19:45)

January 29, 2025

Borussia Dortmund — Shakhtar (22:00)