Photo: Reuters
Is this team for real?
Shakhtar Donetsk have already won the Ukrainian Super Cup this season, kicked hated rivals Dynamo Kiev out of the Ukrainian Cup and have won their first 12 matches of the domestic season; scoring an astounding 38 goals while only conceding six. Some may say this is anything but impressive in a water-downed Ukrainian Premier League, but Shakhtar raised the bar Tuesday night in Donetsk, defeating reigning European champions Chelsea FC 2-1 in the Champions League group stage. Darijo Srna played the full 90 minutes in this match while Eduardo watched from the bench. Shakhtar scored once in each half and allowed a consolation Oscar goal in the 88th minute to cap off the 2-1 win. With the victory, Shakhtar move to top spot in Group E with seven points, with Chelsea trailing them with four points of their own. The two sides will meet again in two weeks time at Stamford Bridge in London.
How long will this streak last? And how good does captain Darijo Srna feel now that he stayed in Ukraine?
The only blemish on Shakhtar’s season thus far is their 1-1 Champions League draw vs. Juventus in Torino earlier in the campaign. With their 1-1 draw against Nordsjaelland on Tuesday, Juventus have now drew their last nine European matches.
In other Champions League news, Mario Mandžukić played the full 90 minutes in Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Lille. He did not have one shot on goal but picked up five fouls and a yellow card in the process. He is currently the Bundesliga’s leading scorer. 22 year-old Nordsjaelland defender Ivan Runje played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw vs. Juventus. He picked up a yellow card during the match.
I remember we had a thread months ago last time there was a rumor about Darijo leaving for Western Europe, the dude has it made in Donetsk.
-huge salary/low taxes
-consistently winning the domestic league
-consistently making nice runs in Europe (UEFA Cup winners in 09 with Darijo named MoM)
-already a legend at the club
Even if a big team in western Europe makes him a legit offer, money wise it’ll never come close to the cash he’s getting at Donetsk, especially with Darijo being over 30 now. He might as well stay there, win some more trophies and probably go out as one of the best players they ever had.
@Denis
I agree. I find it amusing how so many put Srna down for where he plays. Makes the cash, is king of the league, plays every game and on top of that he just beat the reigning UEFA champs. Good gig.
We can add a low tax rate and low cost of living to the equation, and I think Dario pretty much has good it right.
srna is making money in ukraine. im guessing 10 mil easy. cash money probs. and he is a legend.
I like the question:
“And how good does captain Darijo Srna feel now that he stayed in Ukraine?”
Yes, every player should test themselves playing for a top team in a top league. However, sometimes a team like Shakhtar is worth playing for if a player gets 90 minutes and Champions League action every year.
So far, Darijo Srna has most of the equation on his side:
Money, Champions League, 90 minutes, top 20 team in the world over mediocre league, not so sexy destination
I’ve always been a fan Shaktar with their attractive brand of football. Yes the two leagues in the East keep getting stronger. Russia in particular as the teams are fueled by Oil money and a huge domestic fan base.
good win for shakhtar. the center back for nordsjalland against juve is croatian. ivan runje. anybody heard of him?
the Ukrainian and Russian leagues keep getting better and better each year. don’t be surprised to see a team from either of those two countries win the Champions League in the next 5-10 years. there’s big money over there!