Shakhtar vs APOEL

Shakhtar Donetsk had a good first game for the Champions League groups away to Porto (lost 2-1), but they have been “slaughtered” by the referees to this game. Shakhtar took the lead early scoring at 12th minute, and Porto equalized at 28th, while at 40th minute Shakhtar received the first red card. The second half started with an early goal for Porto, and everything finished when the ref showed a second red card for Shakhtar. Mircea Lucescu complained to the officials for the refs and stated that these referees are not for the level required for Champions League matches.

 

Anyway, Lucescu tried to spent time to explain to his players the possible dangers posed by APOEL as he seeks of course to avoid the same fate of Zenit. For their domestic league, they took a valuable draw to the big derby away to Dinamo Kiev (0-0), where they both sit to the first place of the league table. Rakitskiy and Chygrynskiy who both received red card to the game against Porto are not available.

 

APOEL is the big surprise of the 7th group till now after their amazing win over Zenit (2-1) to the first game at home ground. They needed only two minutes to turn the game to 2-1 from 0-1 (73′ and 75′), with goals by Manduca and Ailton. For their domestic league they won difficult over Aris Lemesos (1-0) scoring at 86th minute, playing with full squad without resting players. There is no injury problems for APOEL and they traveled with best squad available.

 

APOEL for sure will play full defense from first minute trying to move forward with counterattacks, with first target to go away with the draw. They are maybe playing with passion and they are hungry for european football, but away to Donetsk many teams failed to get something. Shakhtar is on very good form and they hardly need all three points today. APOEL will have a very difficult night at Donetsk.