Champions League. Shakhtar edged out by PSV in a thrilling away match

28.11.2024 00:02

On November 27, Shakhtar Donetsk played their fifth match of the Champions League league phase in Eindhoven, facing PSV. This season marks the first edition of the tournament in its new format.

Before this encounter, the Miners had drawn against Bologna (0:0), suffered defeats to Atalanta (0:3) and Arsenal (0:1), and secured a victory over Young Boys (2:1). Led by Marino Pušić, Shakhtar faced a challenging away fixture against PSV.

The first half was action-packed. Early on, Bakayoko tested Riznyk, but it was Shakhtar who struck first. In the 8th minute, Konoplya combined with Zubkov on a counterattack and delivered a pinpoint cross to Sikan, who finished expertly to give the visitors the lead.

Shakhtar had further opportunities, with Kryskiv narrowly missing the target and Zubkov failing to connect cleanly with another Konoplya delivery. Meanwhile, PSV responded with two attempts from de Jong, both saved by Riznyk. Sikan also saw his header comfortably saved by the Dutch goalkeeper. Despite PSV’s efforts, including shots from Lang, Saibari, and Bakayoko, Riznyk stood firm.

Shakhtar doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Konoplya intercepted a pass and fed Zubkov, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. Just before halftime, Matviyenko had two chances from corners but couldn’t convert.

In the second half, PSV launched wave after wave of attacks, but Shakhtar initially held firm. Pedro Henrique came close to extending the lead, and Konoplya’s deflected shot narrowly missed the post. PSV responded through Pepi, whose strike was saved.

The match turned in the 69th minute when Pedro Henrique received a straight red card, leaving Shakhtar to defend with ten men. PSV capitalized late, with Tillman scoring twice — a free-kick and a stunning long-range strike — to level the match. In stoppage time, Pepi completed the comeback with a decisive goal, securing a 3:2 victory for the hosts.

Several national team players featured for Shakhtar, including Riznyk, Matviyenko, Konoplya (two assists), Bondar, Sudakov, Kryskiv (yellow card), and Zubkov (one goal, substituted in the 66th minute).

Champions League 2024/2025. League Phase

PSV (Netherlands) - Shakhtar (Ukraine) - 3:2

Goals: Tillman (87, 90), Pepi (90+5) – Sikan (8), Zubkov (37).

PSV: Benítez, Karsdorp (Ledesma 90), Flamengo, Boscagli (Lozano 74), Dams (Pepi 46), Tillman, Mauro Júnior, Saibari, Bakayoko, de Jong (c), Lang (Til 64).

Substitutes: Drommel, Schiks, Obispo, Babadi, Land, Oppegård.

Head coach: Peter Bosz.

Shakhtar: Riznyk, Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko (c), Pedro Henrique, Bondarenko, Kryskiv, Sudakov, Zubkov (Stepanenko 66), Sikan (Eginaldo 55), Kevin (Franjić 71).

Substitutes: Fesyun, Traoré, Shved, Azarov, Tobias, Gram, Marlon, Pedrinho, Newerthon.

Head coach: Marino Pušić.

Referee: Urs Schnyder (Switzerland).

Booked: Boscagli (59), Saibari (84), Tillman (90+1) – Kryskiv (87).

Sent off: Pedro Henrique (69, Shakhtar).

November 27. Eindhoven. Philips Stadion.

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 - 3:2

December 10, 2024

Shakhtar — Bayern Munich (22:00)

January 22, 2025

Shakhtar — Brest (19:45)

January 29, 2025

Borussia Dortmund — Shakhtar (22:00)