Shakhtar earns first Champions League win in clash with Young Boys

06.11.2024 21:43

Today, November 6, Shakhtar Donetsk played their fourth Champions League match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, as the competition debuts its revamped format.

Shakhtar had previously earned one point from games against Bologna (0:0), Atalanta (0:3), and Arsenal (0:1). Marino Pušić’s squad headed to Gelsenkirchen to face Young Boys in a nominally home match at the Arena Auf Schalke.

The match opened with a shot from Young Boys’ Ganvoula, just wide of the post. Shakhtar then launched several promising attacks, with the ball even finding Young Boys’ net once — though it was ruled offside. Shakhtar missed two more great chances as Eginaldo’s shot went straight to the keeper, and Zubkov’s effort narrowly missed the post.

However, in the 27th minute, Young Boys took the lead as Iméri capitalized on a Shakhtar error, striking low past Riznyk. Shakhtar responded swiftly, as Sudakov broke through on the left wing and sent a cross to Zubkov, marking Shakhtar’s first goal in this Champions League campaign.

Eginaldo then threatened the Swiss goal with a header on target. In the 41st minute, Shakhtar went ahead — Sudakov exchanged passes with Eginaldo and curled a precise shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. Young Boys responded with Ganvoula’s header, which missed the goal.

Shakhtar started the second half strongly, with shots on goal from Zubkov and Bondarenko. Zubkov and Kevin had further chances later. Young Boys pushed for an equalizer, but Shakhtar’s defense held firm. Ultimately, Shakhtar secured their first win with a 2:1 scoreline.

Several players called up by Serhiy Rebrov for Ukraine’s November Nations League matches featured for Shakhtar: Matviyenko, Konoplya (yellow card), Bondar, Sudakov (goal and assist), Kryskiv (subbed off in stoppage time), and Zubkov (goal).

UEFA Champions League 2024/25. League Phase.

Shakhtar (Ukraine) - Young Boys (Switzerland) - 2:1

Goals: Zubkov (31), Sudakov (41) — Iméri (27)

Shakhtar: Riznyk, Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko (c), Pedro Henrique, Bondarenko (Franjic 90+2), Kryskiv (Stepanenko 90+2), Sudakov, Zubkov, Eginaldo (Sikan 68), Kevin (Marlon 79).

Subs: Fesiun, Traoré, Azarov, Tobias, Gram, Nazaryna, Pedrinho, Neverton.

Coach: Marino Pušić

Young Boys: Keller, Atekhame, Lauper (Smith 62), Benito (c) (Lakomyi 33), Blum, Malesh (Elia 62), Ugrinic, Niasse, Kololli (Virginius 62), Iméri (Monteiro 46), Ganvoula.

Subs: von Ballmoos, Marcino, Itten, Yetzer, Dema.

Coach: Joel Magnin

Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel)

Booked: Konoplya (81) — Blum (40), Atekhame (45+3), Niasse (70)

November 6, Gelsenkirchen. Arena AufSchalke.

Standings

Bologna — Shakhtar - 0:0

October 2, 2024

Shakhtar — Atalanta - 0:3

October 22, 2024

Arsenal — Shakhtar - 1:0

November 6, 2024

Shakhtar — Young Boys - 2:1

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)