Nations League Play-Off Intrigue: Who Will Be the Champion?
Fierce Nations League play-off battles: power balance and potential surprises in the race for the main trophy.
Predicted victory of "Rukh" over "Karpaty" with a minimal score in the cup confrontation thanks to Podgursky's skill.
Not long ago, "Karpaty" and "Rukh" faced each other in the Ukrainian national championship matches. The game ended with a minimal advantage of 1:0 in favor of "Karpaty". However, at the beginning of the cup confrontation, bookmakers favored "Rukh," and their predictions came true. The home team had a significant advantage over the guests and created many dangerous moments that unfortunately did not result in goals.
The green-and-whites tried to respond to the opponents' attacks, but were unable to deliver and shoot accurately at the goal due to the firmly acting defense and goalkeeper of "Rukh". The only goal in the match occurred when it was not expected. Player Podgursky, coming on as a substitute, masterfully struck at the goal, delivering a powerful strike from 25 meters, which hit the post. "Karpaty" lacked time and could only mount a rapid assault in the final minutes to equalize, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
"Rukh" secured a place in the quarterfinal matches to be held next year. The main game date is April 2.
The team rosters participating in the match are listed below:
Rukh - Karpaty Lviv 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Podgursky, 79 (1:0)
"Rukh": Ledvii; Roman Vit.; Slyusar D. (Podgursky, 76); Kholod V.; Didyuk R.; Sych A.; Fedor (Prytula, 93); Karabin (Runich, 93); Kvasnytsia (Klaivert, 60); Krasnopir (Klimchuk, 76); Pastukh Ye.
Substitutes: Hereta; Mykhalchuk M.; Tovarnytsky; Plyuman; Slyubik
Warnings: Klimchuk 92
"Karpaty" Lviv: Kemkin; Adamyuk; Pedroso; Babohlo; Miroshnichenko D.; Chachua (Klimenko V., 87); Alvarez; Bruninho (Vekliak B., 93); Zanetti T. (Kostenko, 83); Ocheretko (Shakh, 83); Alves Neves (Ustymenko, 83)
Substitutes: Kinareikin; Sakiv; Podlepenets; Polehenko; Ryabov A.; Tlumak; Kuzyk
Warnings: Adamyuk 17; Miroshnichenko D. 51; Alvarez 71
Fierce Nations League play-off battles: power balance and potential surprises in the race for the main trophy.
FC Rukh's head coach shares expectations ahead of the clash with Veres, emphasizing the importance of every game in the current championship.
Predicted victory of "Rukh" over "Karpaty" with a minimal score in the cup confrontation thanks to Podgursky's skill.