In case the White-Blues suffered defeat in this match they would have lost all chances to win silver and get the Champions League spot.
Comparing with away game against FC Oleksandria (2:2), Olexiy Mykhailychenko made six substitutions in the starting lineup. The match started horribly for the home side. In the 2nd minute Hromov eluded Kedziora and hit the target in one-on-one situation – 0:1.
Troubles continued for Dynamo, when Verbic was substituted due to injury in the 9th minute. And then Kyivans turned the game upside down. At first Buialskyi rushed into Zoria penalty area, passed to Tsyhankov and Viktor hit the top corner – 1:1. Less than in two minutes Dynamo were in front. This time Buialskyi assisted Sydorchuk, who made it 2:1 from inside the box.
Zoria didn’t give up at all. They increased the speed and had several chances. Bushchan performed unbelievable save after attempt of Yurchenko from close range. Then visitors scored, but the goal was cancelled due to the foul of Hromov against Karavayev.
Meanwhile the White-Blues scored again. Vernydub blocked the shot by Rusyn, but after the rebound the ball reached Tsyhankov and Viktor sent it into the net with a header.
The first half was rich on fouls, but those weren’t really rough. It was just about players’ dedication. After the break the match was quite similar.
Early in the second half Cheberko was supposed to get the second booking for the foul against Buialskyi, but referee didn’t send him off. Zoria could pull one more back, but Burda blocked the shot of Kabayev. By the way, later Mykyta was substituted due to injury…
Dynamo had perfect chances to increase the lead. Rusyn sent the ball wide in one episode although he should have passed to Tsyhankov or Buialskyi. Later goalkeeper parried his shot and Buialskyi could hit the open goal after rebound, but Abu Hanna didn’t let the ball cross the line.
So, Dynamo win 3:1 and now they need to play at least in a draw against FC Kolos Kovalivka on Sunday to secure the second place.
UPL. Matchday 31
FC Dynamo Kyiv – FC Zoria Luhansk – 3:1
Dynamo: Bushchan, Kedziora, Burda (Popov, 70), Shabanov, Karavayev, Sydorchuk (Kadiri, 76), Shepelev (Shaparenko, 46), Buialskyi, Tsyhankov, de Pena, Verbic (Rusyn, 10).
Zoria: Matsapura, Tymchyk (Kameniuka, 90), Vernydub, Cheberko (Abu Hanna, 51), Mykhailychenko, Cvek (Luniov, 73), Kocherhin (Ivanisenia, 73), Khomchenovskyi, Yurchenko, Kabayev (Bilotserkovets, 89), Hromov.
Goals: Tsyhankov (14, 34), Sydorchuk (16) – Hromov (2).
Booked: Sydorchuk (40), de Pena (59) – Cheberko (11), Vernydub (20), Yurchenko (60), Luniov (87), Abu Hanna (90+4).
