Interim Results of UPL: Surprises and Disappointments of the First Half

After 15 rounds in the UPL, we summarize the achievements of "Alexandria", and "Shakhtar", and last chances for "Ingulets" and "Chornomorets".

In the current Ukrainian championship, 15 rounds have been played. Although some matches are yet to be played, the covered distance can already be considered halfway through the tournament. And now is the moment for preliminary conclusions.

One of the biggest surprises of the season so far is the "Alexandria" team. The efforts and achievements of Ruslan Rotan's team deserve recognition, considering that they previously lingered in the middle of the table, and now have achieved 11 victories.

Last season, "Alexandria" did not stand out in either attack or defense. However, this autumn they have proven they can be organized in defense, conceding an average of only 0.52 goals per match without sacrificing the entertainment of their play.

Now about the scoring: a significant decrease in the number of goals draws attention. The average scoring is 2.35 goals per match, which is less than in the past decade seasons. And yet, thrilling games still occur. For example, in three matches, there were 7 goals scored, especially highlighted by "Shakhtar" in these encounters.

"Shakhtar" still maintains its status as the highest-scoring team, with 38 goals in 14 games. Their success depends on the pace of the game, especially if an early goal charges the team. Focusing on "Shakhtar's" first half of the season shows both achievements and instability, which will deserve further analysis.

Leading the list of the season's top scorers, without any clear sensations, is Oleksiy Gutsulyak from "Polissya" with 9 goals, followed closely by Donetsk player Artem Bondarenko with 8 goals.

One of the biggest disappointments includes "Polissya" and "Rukh"; expectations were that they would compete for high status, but "Rukh" fell off the radar following a series of draws and losses. Time is still needed to judge these teams' futures, but their participation in the battle for prize places seems unlikely.

At the bottom of the list, "Obolon", "Left Bank", and "Inhulets" occupy the last positions, and barring any force majeure, one of these teams will exit the UPL. "Inhulets" is unique in that they have played all first-round matches away due to a stadium under construction, which could work in their favor in the second round.

"Chornomorets" stands on the verge of survival with financial issues. Their fate is uncertain, and they could reduce the overall number of teams leaving the tournament if a new owner is not found.

All seen teams show unstable results; for example, "LNZ" started steadily but then dropped down. It's interesting to watch how their volatile dynamics intrigue throughout the tournament. Final outcomes will only be known at the end of May.