After overcoming the main round, the Ukrainian champion advanced to the elite stage where 16 clubs are divided into four groups of four participants each. By the draw, «ХІТ» ended up in Group D alongside Spanish «Palma» (home team), Croatian «Olmissum», and Polish «Lubawa». Winners of each of the four quartets in the elite round advance to the final stage, which will take place in March 2024.

In their opening match, Kiyivans dramatically lost to «Lubawa» (5:6), and then snatched victory from «Olmissum» on the final seconds (4:3). In their concluding match, Oleg Luk'yanenko's wards needed only a win, preferably by at least two goals. The task was complicated by the fact that they faced «Palma»—the current champions of the Champions League and hosts of the group.

The match started in favor of the Spaniards, with Gordeillo scoring on the fourth minute. Gradually, Ukrainians evened out the game, but Melnyk missed a good opportunity. On the 14th minute, our team took the lead—Abakshyn scored from a long shot off Pedya's pass. Until halftime, «Palma» tried to catch up, but Sukhov blocked their attempts, and in one episode, Gomes missed an open goal.

The second half began with several inaccurate shots by the Spaniards. «ХІТ» responded with a shot from Zhuk that pulled the goalkeeper. «Palma» continued to create opportunities near our goal, and on the 24th minute, Gordeillo finally scored past Sukhov. Shortly after, Kleber had another chance but was denied by the Kiyivans' keeper. On the 26th minute, Oledgobad put the hosts ahead.

Subsequently, «ХІТ» had chances through Chernyavskyi and Abakshyn, playing with a fifth outfield player at the end. The opponents defended tightly but on the 38th minute, our team finally scored—from Shermety's pass, Ponomakhovnyi netted. In summary, Ukrainians drew with the current champions—2:2, securing third place in the group and concluding their tournament run.

Champions League 2023/2024. Elite Round. Group D

December 2, 2023

«ХІТ» (Ukraine) — «Palma» (Spain) — 2:2 (1:0)

Goals: Abakshyn (14), Ponomakhovnyi (38) — Gordeillo (24), Oledgobad (26).

«ХІТ»: Sukhov (Krayets, 21) — Zhurba, Shermetya, Pedya, Abakshyn; Lifer, Smytanenko, Melnyk, Podliuk, Zhuk, Ponomakhovnyi, Chernyavskyi, Syryi.

«Palma»: Mueller — Shaginya, Rivillios, Fabinyo, Romulo; Barron, Laurence, Kleber, Oledgobad, Gomes, Meaurio, Gordeillo, dos Santos, Agapour.

Warned: Shermetya (15), Chernyavskyi (17), Zhuk (39) — Gomes (32).

«Lubawa» (Poland) — «Olmissum» (Croatia) — 7:2

Final Standings

Schedule

Elite Round: November 28 — December 3.

Final Stage Draw: will be announced later.

Final Stage: March 2/3 and May 4/5, 2024.

The final knockout stage featuring four teams will take place at one venue in March 2024. The location and exact dates, as well as the draw date, will be announced later.