Judging by FC Dynamo Kyiv players’ solemn faces it didn’t seem like they opposed euro cups debutant. Serhiy Rebrov managed to find proper words and make his performers demonstrate great dedication. It was one of Kyivans’ best games of the season even though they scored only twice.
Dynamo skipper Olexandr Shovkovskyi made his 582nd appearance for the native team and thus set up a new record of the club!
Comparing with the previous domestic league match Dynamo head coach made two substitutions in the starting lineup. Mykyta Burda featured instead of suspended Aleksandar Dragović while Serhiy Sydorchuk took the pace of Miguel.
Before the break Kyivans played carefully. The key performer was Jeremain Lens. This autumn he demonstrates his best qualities. He created a lot of chances for Kravets, who couldn’t hit the target. Still Artem was useful for the team.
The crucial moment of the game took place 53 minutes into the match. After solo effort Lens hit the far bottom corner!
The second goal was netted by Miguel, who made a substitute appearance. Portuguese midfielder headed the ball in after cross from Yarmolenko!
Europa League. Group stage matchday 5
27.11.2014. Kyiv. NSC Olimpiyskyi. 14,050 spectators
FC Dynamo Kyiv – Rio Ave FC – 2:0 (0:0)
Dynamo: Shovkovskyi (c), Vida, Khacheridi, Danilo Silva, Burda, Sydorchuk (Miguel, 62), Rybalka, Lens (Husiev, 81), Belhanda, Yarmolenko, Kravets (Mbokani, 70).
Rio Ave: Ederson, Lionn (Marcelo, 82), Tiago Pinto, Roderick, Gustavo, Bressan (Diego Lopes, 62), Vilas Boas (c), Moreira, Hassan, Boateng (Ukra, 61), del Valle.
Goals: Lens (53), Miguel (78, assist – Yarmolenko).
Booked: Sydorchuk (25), Kravets (52), Vida (85) – Gustavo (36).
On November 27 FC Dynamo Kyiv will play the important Europa League group stage matchday 5 fixture against Rio Ave FC.
The White-Blues aim is victory, which will let them qualify for the knock-out stage.
The White-Blues on winning run
FC Dynamo Kyiv participate in the Europa League group stage for the fourth time and only in 2011/12 season they didn’t manage to reach the round of 32.
The White-Blues will oppose Portuguese club for the eighth time in European contests. At the moment Kyivans have negative balance in matches against representatives of this country – two victories (against SL Benfica and Boavista FC – 1:0), three defeats (1:2 against FC Porto (twice) and Sporting CP) and two draws (SC Braga 1:1 and FC Porto 0:0).
After lopsided away victory against Rio Ave FC (3:0) Dynamo played 11 matches in different competitions. They won nine of them and lost one. One more game ended in a draw. Goal difference is 23-7.
Such run has let Serhiy Rebrov’s men be leaders in the Ukrainian Premier League and Europa League standings and reach the Ukrainian Cup quarterfinal.
“Big River” grows small
Rio Ave FC never faced Ukrainian teams before the home match against FC Dynamo Kyiv on September 18 as this is their first season in euro cups.
Defeat against the White-Blues (0:3) has had a negative impact on Pedro Martins’s men.
The team won five matches (two in the Primeira Liga) out of 13, lost five (two in the Europa League) and drew three times. Goal difference is 15:14.
“Big River” has lost the chance to qualify for the Europa League next stage. In domestic league standings the White-Greens are 7th.
Still it should be mentioned that Rio Ave didn’t concede in three previous fixtures.
Both sides’ pros and cons
Dynamo centre back Aleksandar Dragović will miss the forthcoming game due to the red card he got as Kyivans faced Aalborg BK. Speaking about Rio Ave suspended performers, they are defender Prince and halfback Wakaso.
The White-Blues left back Yevhen Makarenko and supporting midfielder Denys Harmash are still recovering from injuries. Visitors’ injured players are defender Lionn and halfback Pedro Moreira.
As for both sides’ key performers, Dynamo left winger Jeremain Lens is in great conditions. He netted three goals in five previous games. Rio Ave representatives Diego Lopes and Ahmed Hassan demonstrate same results.
