Finally, "Metalist 1925" has started to live up to the expectations of its fans by securing a third consecutive qualification, this time an expected one — over "Dinazor" (2:0). The Kharkiv team scored at the most crucial moments, just before halftime and early in the second half, and secured their place in the top quartet of Group B.

However, the central match-up in this group took place earlier in Kyiv between "Viktoriya" and "Poltava." The visitors managed to break their winless streak by converting a penalty under pressure. 1:2. Their captain Shcherbak struck powerfully and accurately. By the way, he also participated in the successful combination of the home team that led to their first goal.

In Group A, the most interest was generated by the match in Chernivtsi between neighbors on the standings — "Bukovyna" and "Epizentrum." They are engaged in a fierce battle for a place in the championship group. After the dismissal of their head coach Valeriy Krivenkov, they were led by the sports director Hryhoriy Churilov.

The main events unfolded after halftime when Bukovyna's Hirnyk was sent off, and shortly thereafter his teammate Shinkarenko scored an own goal — 0:1. However, this did not knock the hosts out of contention, and despite being outnumbered they managed to level the score — 1:1. All attempts by both teams to score a winning goal were unsuccessful, resulting in a draw that favored their rivals.

Results and standings