Today, August 23, on the Day of the State Flag of Ukraine, the long-awaited start of a new season in the elite division of the national championship took place. The opening match between «Shakhtar» and «Metalist 1925» was held at NSK «Olympic». Prior to the kickoff, there were several ceremonial events.

The miners started the new season with a refreshed lineup. Virtually all foreign players left «Shakhtar» after Russia's military invasion, and the head coach also changed. In the match against Kharkivians, four newcomers made their debut — Mykhailichenko, Petryak, Jurasek, and Taylor.

For most of the game, the orange-and-black team had the upper hand, delivering 20 shots on goal. The most active player in Shakhtar's lineup was Mudrik, who narrowly missed scoring with a header. However, despite their dominance, Donetska did not manage to break through Mozil under Igor Yovichev's new leadership. Moreover, Metalist 1925 had several golden opportunities, including a miraculous save by Trubin from Rusin's header in the early minutes.

It is worth noting that Shakhtar's lineup included players who were part of Ukraine's national team roster in June: Matviyenko, Stepanenko, Mudrik, and Sykan (substituted at 61).

Photo zarya-lugansk.com

«Zorya» in Uzhhorod at the «Avangard» stadium secured their first victory under Patrick van Leeuwen's guidance. The black-and-white team defeated «Vorskla,» who was recently coached by former Lugansk coach Viktor Sкрипник. Nazarina scored the opening goal from a penalty kick in just the 7th minute, becoming the scorer of the first goal in the new championship. Later, Bezborodko added another goal, and only at the end did Oleynik reduce Poltava's deficit with a penalty. Throughout the entire match, Vorskla's goalkeeper Riznyk was also part of Ukraine's national team.

At NTB named after V. Bannikov, «Veres» narrowly defeated «Chornomorets». The only goal was scored by Klyoc with a beautiful long-range shot. After halftime, the score could have been equalized again, but Dakhnovsky missed his penalty kick against Nepogodov.

In the final match of the day, «Kolos» in Kharkiv defeated newcomer to UPL, «Krivbas.» The only goal was scored by Goncharenko from a set piece. New head coach of Krivbas Yuri Vernydub was sent off during the game.

Vbet League. 1st Round

23.08.2022

«Shakhtar» — «Metalist 1925» — 0:0

«Chornomorets» — «Veres» — 0:1 (0:1)

Goal: Klyoc (22).

On the 48th minute, Dakhnovsky («V») missed a penalty kick (goalkeeper).

«Zorya» — «Vorskla» — 3:1 (2:0)

Goals: Nazarina (7, from a penalty), Bezborodko (30, 53) — Oleynik (74, from a penalty).

«Kolos» — «Krivbas» — 1:0 (1:0)

Goal: Goncharenko (36).

Red card: Y. Vernydub (81, «K», not on the field).

24.08.2022

«Minay» — «Lviv» (rescheduled)

«Rukh» — «Metalist» (15.00)

16.11.2022

«Dnipro-1» — «Oleksandria»

«Ingulets» — «Dynamo»