After a closely competed match, Shakhtar Donetsk dominated by a narrow 1-0 margin over Antwerp. With an excellent dead-ball delivery, Zubkov set up Matvyenko for a header. Mykola Matviyenko scored the game’s winning goal in the twelfth minute to give Shakhtar the three points. The game’s intensity peaked during injury time when Antwerp’s Arbor Muja was given a red card, making a comeback even more unlikely.
Shakhtar leads 1-0 at the half as they look to win and maintain their hopes of making the playoffs. Matvyenko gave the Ukrainian team the lead with a goal after Zubkov’s excellent delivery of a free kick, setting them up for success. However, that lead was put to the test when Muja and Balikwisha both came dangerously close to scoring, and just before the half, Newerton blew a fantastic chance to further extend his team’s lead.
The Hamburg-based Ukrainians took over the first half of the Group H match, taking the lead in the 12th minute when Matviyenko headed in a cross from Oleksandr Zubkov. Despite several opportunities for the Belgians, Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk made some incredible saves to prevent Antwerp from earning a point in their first-ever Champions League campaign.
As Shakhtar rejoice in a 1-0 victory that safeguards their hopes of advancing to the round of 16 alive, the full-time whistle blows! Despite several close attempts by Antwerp to tie the score, Matvyenko’s header in the 12th minute indicated to be the game’s winner. Muja and Balikwisha have been denied by Riznky, and Butez twice tipped onto the crossbar to deny Shakhtar an additional goal, first stopping Azarovi and then Stepanenko.
In the final moments, the hosts were given a serious scare when Riznky made a remarkable stop on Janssen to protect his team, who were relieved to hear the final sound of the whistle. Muja received a second yellow and a red card after full time as a result of the violent scenes that broke out between the two sets of players.
Shakhtar has nine points, secured for third place with leaders Barcelona and Porto in second. The teams will take part in Spain later on Tuesday; following their 1-0 loss to the Ukrainians earlier this month, the Catalans need to win to move up to the top spot. The final group stage match between Antwerp and Barca takes place on December 13, with Shakhtar visiting Porto.
