Well-deserved victory for Shakhtar Donetsk in the final home match of the league phase of the premier class at the Arena AufSchalke: On Wednesday evening (22.1.), the Ukrainian champions enjoyed a 2:0 win against Stade Brest.
The French had traveled to Gelsenkirchen as favorites, but found it difficult to get into the game from the start. The Bretons repeatedly showed weaknesses defensively and were unable to make any impact in attack. Shakhtar, on the other hand, played boldly and exploited one of their opponents' mistakes to the full: Brendan Chardonnet was the last man to receive the ball at the halfway line, but the ball slipped out of his hands. The ball then ended up with Kevin, who ran free and kept his cool in front of keeper Marco Bizot (18'). Head coach Marino Pusic's team then increased the lead to 2:0 in the 36th minute. After a fine pinpoint pass from Georgiy Sudakov, Irakli Azarovi popped up in front of Bizot. The left-back missed the ball, but was then denied by the French keeper. Referee Sandro Schärer immediately pointed to the spot and Sudakov was somewhat fortunate to convert the spot-kick. The Ukrainians remained the more dangerous team after the break and, thanks to their victory, can continue to have hopes of reaching the play-offs.
The direct rivals Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City, who take points off each other, are in action from 9pm. Meanwhile, Stade Brest slipped out of the last 16 due to their poor performance. In the last match of the Champions League league phase, the Ukrainians will face Borussia Dortmund away from home next Wednesday (29.1.). Kick-off for all games is at 9pm.
