SHAKHTAR DONETSK thrashed RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first Champions League recreation of the season – despite lacking SIX MONTHS of soccer due to the war in Ukraine.
Football was halted for 254 days in the nation earlier this 12 months due to the continued battle with Russia.
Ukraine’s home league solely returned a fortnight ago, with Shakhtar taking seven factors from their opening three matches.
Due to the devastation in the house nation, the membership are additionally at present enjoying their residence matches in Warsaw, Poland.
They got here into the conflict in Germany with Leipzig the overwhelming favourites to beat them, however the guests produced a surprising show to destroy the Bundesliga outfit.
And it sparked emotional scenes at full-time because the political state of affairs in Ukraine elicited a jubilant response from the gamers.
Ukrainian worldwide Shved broke the impasse after 1 / 4 of an hour following a dreadful error by Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi.
Mohamed Simakan levelled for the hosts 12 minutes into the second half, however simply 60 seconds later Shved struck once more to restore Shakhtar’s lead.
Arsenal switch goal Mykhailo Mudryk then added a 3rd, earlier than Lassina Traore made certain of the victory 5 minutes from time.
Reacting to the breathtaking win, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton stated: “There have been gamers on the pitch right here who’ve misplaced shut kin in the previous three months and who’ve shut pals on the entrance line.
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“The achievement right here has been tactical and technical however above all psychological.”
The win means Shakhtar sit prime of Group F after the primary spherical of matches.
Next up for the Ukrainian outfit is a conflict with Celtic – which might be performed in Poland subsequent week.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who beat Celtic 3-0 on Tuesday evening, will host Leipzig.