Shakhtar Donetsk and Metallist 1925 played today (23/8) the first football match in Ukraine a full nine months later, and while the country continues to be attacked by Russia. The match, played at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv without spectators, ended in a goalless draw and became the opening game of the Ukrainian Championship of the 2022/23 season. Last year’s season was never completed, as after the winter break at the end of November, the teams were supposed to resume in the spring, but the start of the Russian invasion brought the league to a permanent halt.

The opening match coincides with Ukraine’s national holiday, but also takes place at a time when the US embassy in Kyiv is warning of an imminent increase in Russian aggression with increased shelling. For this reason, and until further notice, league matches will be played behind closed doors and only in stadiums with awnings to protect participants in the event of shelling. Most of the matches are planned to be held in Kyiv and its environs.

“This is our job, and we treat it as a very big responsibility – to show the world that life in Ukraine goes on,” said Shakhtar’s Croatian coach Igor Jovisevich. “Football is one of the factors that gives emotions to the whole country and the people who fight for us. It is very important not only for Shakhtar, but for the entire UPL that life goes on,” he added.

Shakhtar Donetsk will take part in the Champions League group stage and recognize their opponent on Thursday evening (25.08). He will play his home matches in neighboring Poland.

Source: MONKEY BEE