Mircea Lucescu managed to keep Kyiv “Dynamo” afloat and entered the playoffs of the Champions League. After the defeat in the first match of the double with Lisbon “Benfica”, the Romanian coach spoke about the difficulties experienced by his players, who constantly think about the war in Ukraine.

• 177th day of the war in Ukraine – Highlights LiveText on HotNews.ro.

The coach left Ukraine at the beginning of the war together with the players of Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk and their families.

“Il Luce” stated that the players would not be able to survive on the front if they were forced to join the army.

“I and two of my friends did everything possible to take the players out of Ukraine. If he had to go to war, he would die on the first day. Their goal is to restore to this country the image of a state that continues to live on sports. I was one of those who extended a helping hand together with the Romanian Football Federation and UEFA President Ceferin.

I was with the players of Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk. Football makes them stop thinking about what’s going on (not in Ukraine) and when I see sad faces, I feel like I have to cheer them up. The only thing that can really encourage them is the positive results of the matches. That’s how I go on” – Mircea Lucescucites sport.ua, reports AS.ro.

Dynamo Kyiv will probably play in the Europa League groups

Dynamo Kyiv, coached by Mircea Lucescu, lost 2-0 to Benfica Lisbon in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday.

Gilberto (9) and Gonzalo Ramos (37) scored for Benfica in the match in Lodz, Poland (the team from Ukraine was considered the host).

The return match will take place on Tuesday, August 23, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon.

The winner will advance to the Champions League groups, and the loser will play in the Europa League groups.