The site is about the vicissitudes of this match Sport.ua spoke exclusively with the authoritative former midfielder of Shakhtar and the national team of Ukraine Sergey Kovalev.
– Sergey, did you expect such football audacity from “Rijeka” in a match where “Shakhtar” was considered a clear favorite?
– Honestly, no. I was most pleasantly surprised by the quality of the opponent’s defense. And in the first half, “Shakhtar” practically did not create sharpness near the opponent’s goal. Then the “miners” gradually began to shake the defense of the Croats, but it is impossible to say that there was complete dominance of the Ukrainian team. “Rijeka” made a good impression on me in the last game. Although, if we take the match as a whole, Arda Turan’s wards were closer to success. Such matches cannot be let go.
– Was it Shakhtar’s strongest opponent in the group stage of the Conference League?
– Without a doubt, it is so. In terms of playing qualities and tactical moments, the Croats looked convincing.
– Did the loss of Marlon Gomez in the 10th minute confuse Ardi Turan’s cards?
– I don’t think so. This did not change the nature of the game.
