Today in Hamburg, Shakhtar players will host Belgian Antwerp in the next match of the Champions League group stage.

Former player of Ukraine and Shakhtar national team Adrian Pukanych He evaluated the opponents’ chances in the match in Germany:

– The Donetsk team revived the excitement in the Champions League play-off round fight with its recent victory against the famous Barcelona and raised the bar quite high in terms of preparation level. Therefore, I wonder if they will be lucky to confirm their class today after unconvincing performances in the UPL championship with Dnepr-1 and Polesie.

– But in Ukraine the matches are played without fans, in Europe they are played in crowded stands, there is no way to rest.

– But Shakhtar have already taught us that they can perform consistently on multiple fronts at the same time. Meanwhile, there are annoying glitches in the UPL, perhaps due to the frequent change of leaders.

– By the way, have you noticed any changes in the Pitmen’s arsenal after the arrival of Marino Pusic on the bridge?

– No, this will probably have to wait until next spring, when Shakhtar will hold preparatory training camps under the leadership of Pusic and will be strengthened by the artists that the Croatian specialist will invite.

– So do you think we can get by without any tactical innovations today?

– Definitely. In case of changes, they will only be in positions due to injuries to individual players. First of all, I mean right-back Efim Konoplya.

– You focused on the fact that Shakhtar did not look convincing in the UPL championship.

– This shows that the competition is intensifying, ambitious teams have emerged – “Krivbass”, “Polesie”, “Dynamo” have not said the last word yet, “Dnepr-1” is aiming for the championship again. After all, the opponents have already thoroughly studied Shakhtar’s game and go into matches with them as motivated as possible, just like the same “miners” to face Barcelona. However, I think Shakhtar’s player selection and long bench will help make them visible at the finish line again.

– Shakhtar is recommended to win today, so the fate of the play-off ticket will be decided in the final match against Porto. Will the Pitmen have enough determination to beat unmotivated Antwerp?

– Why aren’t you motivated? The dream of every football player is to play in the Champions League, and the fact that the “citizens” have not yet achieved a single point does not indicate their weakness. For this reason, the Belgians should not be underestimated. I believe that they have already drawn the right conclusions from the delicate defeat in the first match against the Donetsk team, although they were already convinced that the victory was in their pocket. Today they will have the opportunity to prove that the loss was accidental and replenish the club’s coffers with serious funds. After all, there is a chance to make a name for yourself in very prestigious Champions League matches and receive invitations from richer teams. And Antwerp does not hide the fact that it is ready to say goodbye to its leaders at an affordable price.

– What can Shakhtar use to tip the scales in its favor today?

– Experience, because, unlike the “citizens”, the Donetsk team constantly plays in the Champions League, the psychological advantage after a super-willed victory in the first round will also be useful in the victory over the giant Barcelona. Today, the full stands of the stadium in Hamburg will carry the Pitmen forward. I also believe Shakhtar will win 2:1.