Dynamo Kyiv begin their Champions League qualification in the 3rd round against Jupiler League runners up, Club Brugge, in Belgium!
After a largely positive start to the season, (in terms of results, maybe not performances yet) Dynamo Kyiv seem to be in rather good stead to face their opponents, on paper at least.
However, scratching beyond the surface, there are reasons to be cautious about Kyiv’s capabilities in the premier European competition.
Firstly, their opponents should not be underestimated. They themselves are regular title challengers & have won more domestically in recent seasons than their visitors.
They won 6-0 at the weekend in their 2nd league game and are sure to cause Dynamo some problems! They also boast Ukraine squad player, Eduard Sobol in their ranks and just yesterday signed Simon Mignolet.
Secondly, Dynamo’s opening results can be misleading. Their SuperCup victory whilst commendable, still exposed a lack of creativity and direction on the pitch, in a game that Shakhtar largely dominated.
Also, their UPL matches v the two Lviv clubs, who are hardly the most formidable of opposition, have seen Tsyhankov start on the bench and Verbic go off injured. Granted, Verbic is back fit and the squad looks at full strength but will the team’s key men be at optimum fitness levels for this important tie?
It was refreshing to see Sol return on the weekend, hopefully he can play a bigger role tonight than a 10 minute cameo. Buyalskyi’s early season form has been electric, hopefully he can contribute tonight as well! Tsyhankov’s influence will also be important, as it is likely to be his first start of the season!
However, the most exciting possibility is that of a debut for new Luxembourg signing, Gerson Rodrigues! He’s instilled an optimism amongst fans & media alike! It will now depend on how Khatskevich uses him, either as a wide player or as a number 10. At this moment in time it’s anyone’s guess!
Let’s hope Dynamo put the shift in and transfer their domestic form to the European stage and get a result in Brugge! It’s not only vital for the club to make the group stages after a long exodus but also for Ukrainian football and their coefficient this season!
ДИНАМО ВПЕРЕД ⚪️🔵⚪️🔵⚪️🔵
ZORYA LONDONSK 