After a confident victory over the Maltese "Hibernians" (twice - 3-0 each time), "Dynamo" faced the Cypriot "Paços" in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The first leg of this duel took place in Lublin, Poland, where the Ukrainian champions hosted their European Cup opponents.

The initial minutes saw a friendly approach, but gradually Dynamo took control and created two genuine goal-scoring opportunities in the second half. On the 36th minute, Dubynchak accelerated down the left flank and delivered an emphatic shot that hit the crossbar! And just before halftime, a set piece executed by Shaparenko ended with Vana's header from the goalkeeper line - the ball flew over the very crossbar.

Photo fcdynamo.com

After halftime, Dynamo continued to create opportunities. Notably, Yarmolenko's solo run ended with a dangerous shot into the far corner. On the 62nd minute, after Vana fell in a challenge with Lucassen, the referee initially awarded a penalty against the Cypriot side, but after reviewing VAR, he rescinded his decision.

And on the 84th minute, an unsuccessful corner kick by Dynamo led to a swift counterattack from their opponents. Anderson, who came on as a substitute in the second half, outmaneuvered Dubynchak and accurately fired into the far corner - 0:1. This scoreline held until full time: Dynamo narrowly lost in the first leg.

Photo fcdynamo.com

The return match will take place on August 12 in Paphos. Kickoff - 8 PM Kyiv time.

Champions League. Third Qualifying Round. First Leg

"Dynamo" (Ukraine) — "Paços" (Cyprus) — 0:1 (0:0)

Goals: Anderson (84).

"Dynamo" : Neщeret, Timchik, Popov, Mikhavko, Dubynchak, Brazyko, Mikhaylenko (captain) (Kabaev, 66), Yarmolenko (Voloshin, 66), Shaparenko, Pichalionok (Boyalskyi, 79), Vana.

"Paços" : Neofitou, Golodar, Sunyic, Lucassen, Peleas (Langa, 89), Pepa, Tankovic (captain) (Anderson, 68), Dragomir (Sema, 82), Correa, Orsic (Kvina, 82), Jaja (Bruno, 68).

Yellow cards: Mikhaylenko (16), Shaparenko (90+9) — Tankovic (29), Pepa (90+4), Kvina (90+9).

August 5. Lublin. "Lublin Arena".