In previous games, the Miners drew against Bologna (0:0), suffered defeats to Atalanta (0:3) and Arsenal (0:1), secured a victory over Young Boys (2:1) and lost to PSV (2:3) and Bayern Munich (1:5).

This time, Shakhtar faced French side Brest, needing nothing less than a victory to stay in contention for the playoffs.

The first half began with a dangerous chance for Shakhtar. In the 8th minute, Eguinaldo delivered a low cross from the right, and Marlon’s back-heeled effort narrowly missed the far post. However, ten minutes later, Shakhtar took the lead. Marlon launched a long ball forward, and after a defensive error by Chardonnet, Kevin found himself one-on-one with Bizot and calmly slotted the ball home — 1:0.

In the 37th minute, the Ukrainians doubled their advantage. After a vertical pass from Sudakov, Azarov broke into the penalty area, where Bizot brought him down. Sudakov converted the resulting penalty to make it 2:0.

The second half started with another chance for Shakhtar. In the 51st minute, Sudakov struck brilliantly from a Kryskiv cross, but Bizot made a fantastic save. At the 79th minute, Riznyk showcased his skills, denying Pereira’s free-kick effort heading for the top corner.

With this 2:0 victory, Marino Pušić’s side secured three points, bringing their total to seven in the Champions League standings and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Several Ukrainian national team players who featured in Serhiy Rebrov’s Nations League matches in November played for Shakhtar: Riznyk, Matviyenko, Konoplya (subbed on in the 71st minute), Bondar, Sudakov (scored, subbed off in the 83rd minute), Kryskiv, and Zubkov (subbed on in the 83rd minute).

Champions League 2024/25. League Phase

Shakhtar (Ukraine) — Brest (France) — 2:0

Goals: Kevin (18), Sudakov (37, penalty).

Shakhtar: Riznyk, Azarov, Matviyenko, Bondar, Vinicius Tobias (Konoplya, 71), Kryskiv, Kevin, Sudakov (Bondarenko, 83), Marlon (Stepanenko, 71), Pedrinho (Zubkov, 83), Eguinaldo (Traore, 55).

Brest: Bizot, Pereira Lage, N’Diaye, Chardonnet, Lala, Magnetti, Fernandez (Coulibaly, 85), Camara (Del Castillo, 60), Dumbia (Faivre, 60), Ajorque (Sima, 60), Balde (Salah, 71).

Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland).

Booked: Stepanenko (77) — N’Diaye (22).

January 22. Gelsenkirchen. Veltins Arena.

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 — 1:5

January 22, 2025

Shakhtar — Brest — 2:0

January 29, 2025

Borussia Dortmund — Shakhtar (22:00)