Champions League: Shakhtar loses to Atalanta in nominal home clash

Today, Shakhtar Donetsk played their second match in the Champions League in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in the competition's newly revamped format.

Champions League: Shakhtar loses to Atalanta in nominal home clash

Following a draw in their opening group stage match against Bologna (0:0), the Orange and Blacks hosted Atalanta in a nominal home match at the Arena Auf Schalke.

The first half was completely dominated by the Italian side. Atalanta fired 14 shots at Dmytro Riznyk's goal (three on target), while Shakhtar failed to register a single shot.

In the 21st minute, Ukraine’s side conceded the first goal. Berat Djimsiti, after receiving a pass from Ademola Lukman, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and easily won the duel. Atalanta doubled their lead in the 44th minute when Lukman scored with a diving header, beating Riznyk.

The second half started poorly for Shakhtar as well. In the 48th minute, Raoul Bellanova headed the ball into the net, making it 3:0. After this, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men controlled the game comfortably, securing the win.

Several players from Shakhtar, who were named in Serhiy Rebrov’s squad for Ukraine’s upcoming Nations League matches, featured in the match: Matviyenko, Bondar, Zubkov (substituted in the 75th minute), Sudakov, Kryskiv, and Konoplya (came on in the 46th minute). Stepanenko was also subbed off in the 63rd minute.

2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Group Stage. Matchday 2

Shakhtar (Ukraine) - Atalanta (Italy) - 0:3

Goals: Djimsiti (21), Lukman (44), Bellanova (48).

Shakhtar: Riznyk, Matviyenko, Bondar, Gram (Konoplia, 46), Pedro Henrique, Stepanenko (Bondarenko, 63), Marlon (Kevin, 63), Zubkov (Neverthon, 75), Sudakov, Kryskiv, Eginaldo (Traore, 63).

Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kossounou (Godfrey, 83), Djimsiti (Pasalic, 46), Kolasinac, Bellanova (Cuadrado, 75), Ederson, De Roon, Zappacosta, Samardzic, De Ketelaere (Zaniolo, 60), Lukman (Retegui, 60).

Referee: Joao Pinheiro (Portugal).

Booked: Gram (20) — Zaniolo (78), Gasperini (78, off the pitch), Ederson (84).

October 2. Gelsenkirchen. Arena Auf Schalke.

Standings

Bologna — Shakhtar - 0:0

October 2, 2024

Shakhtar — Atalanta - 0:3

October 22, 2024

Arsenal — Shakhtar (22:00)

November 6, 2024

Shakhtar — Young Boys (19:45)

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)