It took until November, but Shakhtar have finally lost their first competitive match of the season; to reigning Champions League holders Chelsea FC at the death. Captain Darijo Srna led his undefeated Ukrainian champions into Stamford Bridge Wednesday night knowing that another victory against Chelsea would put them into the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition. But it was a sixth minute error from Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov which led to the opening goal, as his botched clearance attempt deflected off a leaping Fernando Torres and into net for a 1-0 Chelsea lead.
However, it would only take Shakhtar three minutes to equalize as Willian one-timed from the center of the box to make it 1-1. Srna and his defense kept Chelsea at bay for the remainder of the first half, but yet another questionable play by Pyatov gave Chelsea the lead going into the break. Pyatov came 25 yards out of net to head away a cross-field pass only to have the ball land to Oscar, who slammed home the ball from nearly half field.
Srna assist 0:20
Shakhtar wouldn’t die though, as Srna found Willian with a sharp pass from outside the box in the the 47th minute to make it 2-2. With Shakhtar looking good to escape London with a draw, Moses headed home a 94th minute injury time corner kick to take a vital three points in Champions League group E. Eduardo remained on the bench as an unused substitute in this match. Shakhtar are still in good shape to go through as they host Juventus and travel to Nordsjaelland.
In other Champions League news on the night, Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandžukić was left off the squad in their 6-1 thrashing of Lille while Nordsjaelland defender Ivan Runje played the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 loss to Italian champions Juventus.
DC UNITED!!!
@ Jack V
You are articulating why Spain are so dominant and technically proficient. Great job with you kids!
@ Colin good breakdown of MLS. They are physically fit and compete but lack that CORE field awareness that brings out the beautiful game. Actually Real Madrid have the same problem. Will have it until they show my man Modrid some respect!
Yeah, I don’t watch a ton of MLS, so can’t really gauge the true level of play, but from what I do see, and from what I consistently see at second level (NASL) play, Dinamo would have no problem in America.
We’ve had this conversation on here probably once a year for the past three years I’ve been a part of this site. Usually the general consensus is dinamo would fair well.
Kelava would fit in just fine 😀
@Colin:
I give up on MLS when the European season begins, but from my experience the Red Bulls can’t string 3 decent passes together on a consistent basis.
When tactical awareness, touch and technical ability are praised over speed and athleticism, American soccer will progress.
For me Ameri-Serb Subotic, Clint Dempsey and some goalkeepers are the exception.
WIn or lose Dinamo is producing and selling talent at a good rate. If American youth teams ran more like Dinamo, America would produce ample talent.
In the Garden State there are a number of Development Academies including NJSA04 where my children train.
From what I have observed many parents are only concerned about playing time and winning.
I don’t care if my children ever play in a local rec game or progress to an elite level. However, I bring them to Mr. Ramos’ facility so they can learn the game the right way and get some exercise.
BTW tonight my 4.5 year old son pulled off a move that made my wife and I shit our pants. He had to beat 2 defenders after receiving a pass. He made multiple turns to fake the kids out and then scored the goal.
My 7 year old daughter who is not aggressive, but technically proficient performed what she calls a “Kranjcar” twice during a scrimmage during last session. BTW a “Kranjcar” is a pullback followed by a side foot pass or change of direction behind the standing leg.
If my child were not exposed to Champion’s League play and the Ramos facility, they would be kicking and running like most Americans.
Yeah, actually was a pretty entertaining game.
I’d say Dinamo might be able to beat LA or NY. Definitely more at their competitive level. If they were an MLS team, they’d be a force in the league. BUT, MLS is much more physical of a league that the HNL. MLS isn’t the strongest league, but it’s tough and they pride their players on being the some of the fittest. Something Dinamo might struggle against. Not many bruisers on the Modri.
btw anyone watching this ny red bulls playoff game?? absolutely insane whats going on so much drama!
Random question:
Do you think Dinamo Zagreb could get a W against an MLS side such as NY red bulls or LA galaxy?
@MatesicMethod
“Srna & the Brazilians. Just like our NT”
Very funny! 🙂
Eduardo,never came back after that injury he was a special player with an eye for goal.
@Armada
Appreciate the respect you express for Dudu. It is a miracle that he is even playing at all, much less walking. Before the injury his class was big positive for the NT, as we did not have the depth or quality that we have now. That night at Wembley was magical because of Dudu.
Shaktar is for real. Srna and the Brazilians! Just like our NT. lol!
@Mr Balck Strnic Kalinic rested
Pranjic koga briga
Pamic rested
Livaja Played 76 mins
Lovren 90 mins
Not a good day at all for Croatian players today. Strinic nor Kalinic played a single minute for Dprino against Napoli today. Livaja only played 13 minutes for Inter Milan. Pamic didn’t play for Sparta Prague while Pranjic is still out because of an injury for Sporting Lissabon.
@Mate……..no surprise about porcelain doll Bogut.
What is more fragile: porcelain doll Bogut or the egos of the Republican party at this point?
Andrew Bogut already shut down for 7-10 days…
My two cent
If Martin Taylor doesn’t snap his leg in two, Dudu stays in the EPL (not necessarily at Arsenal) and probably challenges Suker’s record of 45 NT goals.
Even now, look at some his games for the NT. Dude rides the pine for Shahktar, comes on in at NT game and every so often makes plays or scores goals that 90% of the rest of the NT can’t ever make…
We can endlessly debate how “Croatian” he is and all that racial/ethnic bs, but Dudu was flat out talented before that tackle and he was never the same after unfortunately.
maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. Nobody will ever know for sure. He didn’t have a great start at Arsenal before his injury.
Eduardo’s career was wasted by that injury.
The Brazilian-born Hrvat at this point in this career is just along for the ride. He’ll be at a much smaller club next year. Then again, he might want to remain where he is at to keep collecting those nice, fat checks.
Srna really played well today. A classy performance. I dont care what anyone says Shaktar play like a world class time. They outplayed chelsea in every aspect. They play great football and Eduardo has no chance of breaking into the first team lol.
Great performance from Srna today. Constantly in the play and setting up so many chances. Shaktar has the potential to go far.
Srna the beast!!!