FC Dynamo Kyiv last barrier on the way to the Ukrainian Cup final were FC Chornomorets Odesa.

It was expected that the game would be really intense.

Tactical aspects

Comparing to the previous UPL match against FC Metalurh Donetsk the White-Blues starting lineup was changed noticeably. First of all it was a great pleasure for supporters to see the skipper of our team Olexandr Shovkovskyi after a long break. He played perfectly and gave his teammates additional confidence.

As Domagoj Vida was suspended Danilo Silva featured as centre back. It turned out that he was totally in his element. Oleh Husiev performed as right back.

Miguel was the only supporting midfielder while Younes Belhanda and Denys Harmash played closer to attacking performers.

Andriy Yarmolenko and Dieumerci Mbokani, who skipped the game in Donetsk, were among first eleven again. Yarmolenko often interchanged positions with Jeremain Lens, who also demonstrated worthy play.

As for Chornomorets, their squad was the same comparing to Roman Hryhorchuk’s men last game against Dynamo.

Main episodes

Home side created several chances early in the game. At first Mbokani checked Bezotosnyi’s skills and later Yarmolenko hit the post.

26 minutes into the game Lens put a cross into the box and Harmash headed the ball in.

After that Kyivans kept dominating. Several minutes before the break Lens obtained the ball in the midfield and found Harmash with a straight pass. It seemed that Chornomorets defender Kutas would manage to block the shot, but falling to the ground Denys slotted past goalkeeper – 2:0!

Early in the second half Matos fouled against Mbokani inside the box and referee awarded penalty for Dynamo. Yarmolenko hit the bottom corner from the spot.

Several minutes later the White-Blues created a perfect counterattack. After Lens’ challenge for the ball Miguel finally obtained it and made for Chornomorets penalty area, where he found Yarmolenko with a cross. Andriy assisted Mbokani, who easily netted Dynamo fourth goal of the game! Great team play and win!

Key episode

In a game against such opponent as Chornomorets one goal isn’t always enough. Thus second and third well-placed shots can be called decisive.

Top personalities

There’s no doubt that Denys Harmash was key player of the match.

Special attention should be also paid to Jeremain Lens, who got two assists to his name and started the attack, which resulted in Dynamo fourth goal.

Return of Miguel also had positive impact on the White-Blues play. He was a true director of Dynamo attacks.

Ukrainian Cup. Semifinal

07.05.2014. Kyiv. NSC Olimpiyskyi. 23,380 spectators

Dynamo – Chornomorets – 4:0 (2:0)

Dynamo: Shovkovskyi (c), Husiev (Selin, 66), Danilo Silva, Dragovic, Makarenko, Miguel, Harmash, Belhanda (Vukojevic, 63), Yarmolenko, Lens (Kalytvyntsev, 71), Mbokani.

Chornomorets: Bezotosnyi (c), Zubeiko, Kutas, Teikeu, Rebenok (Danchenko, 49), Kovalchu K., Hai (Valeyev, 76), Okriashvili (Didenko, 73), Arzhanov, De Matos, Antonov.

Goals: Harmash (26, assist – Lens, 40, assist – Lens), Yarmolenko (52, pen.), Mbokani (67, assist – Yarmolenko).

Statistics (first half – in brackets)

FC Dynamo Kyiv will face FC Chornomorets Odesa within the Ukrainian Cup semifinal.

The game will start on May 7 at 19:00 at the NSC Olimpiyskyi.

Dynamo: to direct all efforts to struggle for the Cup

Though 2013/14 UPL is a failure for the White-Blues they have a good chance to win another trophy – Ukrainian Cup. At the moment Kyivans are two steps from success.

This is the last opportunity for Dynamo ambitious performers to approve themselves this season. Last time the White-Blues won a trophy in 2011 (Ukrainian Super Cup). As for the Ukrainian Cup, Dynamo last triumph took place in 2007.

It’s a positive aspect for Kyivans that the forthcoming fixture will take place at their home arena.

Serhiy Rebrov’s men had enough time to get ready for the match.

It should be mentioned that Domagoj Vida won’t take the field against Chornomorets because of suspension.

Chornomorets: moment of truth

At the moment FC Chornomorets Odesa are the top club of Ukraine in International Federation of Football History and Statistics rating.

As for the situation in the UPL, Odesa side can both struggle for medals and lose the euro cups spot. Triumph in the Ukrainian Cup is another opportunity for Roman Hryhorchuk’s men to feature at the European arena next season.

Chornomorets head coach has stated that it’s a success for Chornomorets to reach the semifinal.

History of face-to-face matches within the national Cup

Dynamo faced Chornomorets only once within the Ukrainian Cup in 1997/1998 season.

Kyivans won both legs (3:0 and 1:4).

In the days of Soviet Union the White-Blues outplayed Odesa side twice.

28.06.1961. Round of 64.

Chornomorets – Dynamo – 1:2

01.04.1978. Round of 16.

Chornomorets – Dynamo – 2:1

16.04.1978. Round of 16.

Dynamo – Chornomorets – 4:0