The 26th round of Ukrainian Premier League fixed the first national representative in UEFA Champions League 2007/08. The berth in the most prestigious club tournament of Old World was booked by Kyiv Dynamo. However, this event is not likely to sooth Anatoliy Demyanenko’s team, as competing with the outsider Alchevsk Stal they should have gained more than one point.
Stal 1-1 Dynamo
32nd minute passing by, Kleber stroke from goalkeeping area and finished the combination with Korrea and Shatskih. It seemed nothing could prevent the guests from gaining the victory. But six minutes after Alchevsk footballers were so swift with a free kick, that Dynamo players came to senses only after seeing the ball in the net (Polovkov scored). After-break time was much more advantageous for the leaders, coming up with at least five poignant moments. Unfortunately, none from the following - Kleber, Korrea, Rinkon, Nesmachniy – managed to score.
Arsenal 1:2 Shakhtar
Shakhtar players came out on Dynamo stadium field knowing already the disadvantage of the opponent. Mircea Lucescu’s team considered the rival a bleak one. However, with the fourth minute passing, Dzhakobia scored through experienced goalkeeper Shutkov. The hosts were heroic to keep this goal until the 69th minute, when referee appointed a free kick. The crucial goal was brought by the guest on the 82nd minute, when Marica was first to assist Fernandinho in striking. Therefore, Shakhtar lags Dynamo behind with 4 points.
Dnipro 1:0 Chornomorets
In spite that Chornomorets was strong opponent, Dnipro took control on the game from the beginning. Guest team couldn't do anything in the attack where Venglinskiy's appearance was remarkable (it was his first visit in Dnipropetrovsk since leaving Dnipro). But to the last degree of the first half Dnipro couldn't receive good opportunity to score. Dnipro's forwards Kornilenko and Samodin became more aggressive in the second half, and result came soon. In the 62nd minute Davidson throw-in the ball, and Kornilenko, having won the position, made unexpected kick from 20 meters – 1:0. Chornomorets could equal in 4 minutes, but Poltavets missed from good position. It was only opportunity to score for guest team. Dnipro had several opportunities after Symonenko's sent-off, but Rudenko made brilliant saves.
Tavriya 5:1 Metalurh Z
Simferopol players had a tough month – three contests with Shakhtar, one with Dynamo, visits to Lviv and Odessa. However, Mykhailo Fomenko’s team looked rather fresh fighting with Metalurh, they were vigorous and ingenious. Lucky Idahor proved to be a true hero putting hat-trick into his success list. Homenyuk and Edmar scored as well. Kashevskiy marked himself with a prestige goal. “Today the team was playing for a bonus – two days off, which I promised to award guys with if played positively”, - Tavriya coach joked.
Vorskla 2:1 Kryvbas
Poltava players need tournament points now more than Kryvbas. That is why Vorskla’s win is taken as rather logic one. The Kryvbas’ Sachko goal on 49th minute released a tense after two sharp strikes of Curri and Chyzhov. Kravchenko had a chance to drive his team up but he failed to realize a free kick one minute away from the end.
Kharkiv 0:0 Karpaty
After Donetsk feat Kharkiv footballers hoped to please domestic fans with a successful match. However, Karpaty were hard to die. On the background of general dominance Karpaty were about to get scored – their goalkeeper Tlumak succeeded in dual contest with Brazilian Ribeiro. Batista could make its team finish top, but his attacks were constantly stopped. Lviv players Kovel and Kobin were also too close to success, but their strikes faced Vorskla obstacle.
Illichivets 0:1 Zorya
Zorya brought three points of major importance from Mariupol. Thanks to this victory, with Khramtsov sharp strike on 21st minute, Lugansk players are one more point away from off. Illichivets, unlike Luganks, continues its free falling. The team, who used to represent Ukraine on EURO Cups in the season before the last, moved down to the fixture bottom.
