Another week of European football has come and gone, and for the first time in a long while, Ukrainian fans are left wishing the celebration would last a little longer.
Both Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk earned convincing wins, collecting valuable points for Ukraine in the UEFA coefficient race and, more importantly, lifting spirits across the country. Let’s take a closer look at how it all unfolded.
Turan’s Bold Gamble Pays Off
Compared to their recent league victory over Dynamo, Shakhtar’s lineup for the Breidablik clash was almost unrecognizable — only Anatoliy Riznyk and Artem Bondarenko kept their places.
Earlier in the season, head coach Arda Turan had been criticized for over-experimenting and constantly tinkering with his tactics. But this time, the Turkish manager’s ideas clicked perfectly.
Sure, Breidablik are no European powerhouse, but Shakhtar proved that even with nine changes, they can still dominate both domestically and on the continental stage.
The victory wasn’t a matter of luck — it was earned through control and composure. The Icelandic side barely created a single dangerous chance, and their only real shot on goal came minutes before the final whistle.
The standout performer was Artem Bondarenko, who not only scored a stunning goal but also orchestrated much of Shakhtar’s attacking play. Yegor Nazaryna impressed in midfield as well, his precise long passes repeatedly carving open Breidablik’s defense.
Meanwhile, several of Shakhtar’s Brazilian talents, left on the bench against Dynamo, made the most of their opportunity here. The club’s long-term strategy of signing multiple young prospects finally showed its worth — at least on this occasion.
After three matches, Shakhtar sit on six points, with manageable fixtures ahead against Shamrock Rovers and Ħamrun Spartans.
Only Rijeka in the final round seems capable of testing Turan’s men. December may well decide whether Donetsk advance directly to the Round of 16 or must go through the additional Round of 32.
Dynamo Finally Explode into Life
There’s no other word for it — Dynamo Kyiv have finally broken through.
Last season, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi’s side scored just five goals in eight Europa League games. The year before that, they didn’t even reach the main stage of European competition.
And now, almost poetically, it took just one match for Dynamo to hit six goals — more than they’d managed in the previous three years combined in UEFA tournaments.
This wasn’t a one-man show either — it was a complete team performance. According to SofaScore, every outfield player except Shola Ogundana earned a rating above 6.7, as the newcomer continues building chemistry with Taras Mykhavko on the flank.
Dynamo scored goals in every possible way:
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Twice from corners (credit to new set-piece coach Maciej Kędziorek)
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Once after a quick free-kick
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Another from a lightning counterattack
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One following a brilliant solo run from Vladyslav Kabaiev
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And finally, a sublime assist from Mykola Shaparenko to Andriy Yarmolenko
Early on, nothing suggested such a scoreline. Zrinjski Mostar, though missing several key players, looked dangerous and tested Ruslan Neshcheret a few times. But the young goalkeeper stood tall — both on the line and as a proactive sweeper behind his defense.
The 6–0 victory gave Shovkovskyi’s men their first three points in the Europa Conference League, though they’ll need more to reach the knockout rounds.
Next up: Omonia Nicosia, Fiorentina, and Noah. Beating Fiorentina might be a stretch, but Dynamo must give everything against the Cypriots and Armenians if they hope to reach at least the Round of 32.
Ukrainian Football Back on the Rise
It’s been a long time since both Dynamo and Shakhtar won European group-stage matches in the same week — the last time was back on February 25, 2021, just before Russia’s full-scale invasion.
That night, Shakhtar beat Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League Round of 32, while Dynamo saw off Club Brugge. Coincidentally, both sides made it to the Round of 16 that season — Dynamo bowing out to Villarreal, Shakhtar to Roma.
This week’s results brought more than nostalgia. For the first time this season, Ukraine earned more coefficient points than its closest rivals — even overtaking Slovakia in the UEFA ranking.
And the good news didn’t stop there.
Artem Dovbyk started for Roma in their Europa League match against Rangers, delivered an assist, and was subbed off in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Romanchuk, playing for Universitatea Craiova in Romania, scored the only goal in their Conference League win over Rapid Vienna, earning Man of the Match honors and helping goalkeeper Pavlo Isenko keep a clean sheet.
For the first time in years, Ukrainian football fans can look at the European stage with genuine optimism.
Dynamo are scoring again. Shakhtar are winning again. And for one uplifting week, the feeling returned — Ukraine belongs here.