The decisive stage of the fight for the elite division has begun in Ukrainian football. As part of the play-off matches for the right to compete in the 2026/27 Premier League season, the first games took place, ending without winners. None of the teams managed to secure a decisive advantage ahead of the return legs.
"Alexandria" and "Left Bank": drama on home turf
In one of the key matches, "Alexandria," which previously miraculously avoided direct relegation following the withdrawal of Lviv's "Rukh," hosted the capital's "Left Bank" at their arena. The home team opened the scoring as early as the 21st minute. The 22-year-old Mauritanian forward Pape Ndiaga Yade masterfully took advantage of a rebound in the penalty area following a free-kick, putting the team ahead 1-0.
However, after the break, the coaching staff of the Kyiv team carried out a brilliant double rotation, which completely changed the balance of power. In the 52nd minute, Vikentyi Voloshyn, who had just come on as a substitute, received a pass from his namesake Nazar Voloshyn and equalized with a technical strike from the left corner of the penalty area — 1-1.
The finale of the match was marred by an air raid, which forced the game to be interrupted in the 78th minute. After the resumption of the match, neither side managed to snatch victory, and the game ended in a draw.
"Kudrivka" against "Agrobusiness": a goalless draw under total pressure
In another match of the play-off tournament, "Kudrivka" hosted Volochysk's "Agrobusiness." The home team completely controlled the flow of the game, possessing the ball for 63% of the playing time and delivering five sharp shots on the opponent's goal. Despite the obvious advantage and a series of tactical substitutions at the end, they failed to break through the reliable defensive redoubts of the Podillya team. The match ended with a score of 0-0.
Who will play in the UPL and who will fly to European cups
The names of the two teams that will receive tickets to the Premier League will be determined on Tuesday, June 9. At the moment, "Bukovyna" and "Chornomorets" have already secured direct tickets to the elite. "SK Poltava" and "Rukh" left the elite division, with the Lviv team moving down to the Second League.
Parallel to the fight for a spot in the league, the participants of the European cups were also determined. The Donetsk "Shakhtar" became the early champion of Ukraine and will compete in the main stage of the Champions League. The European quota from Ukraine was also filled by "Dynamo" (Europa League qualification as Cup holders), as well as LNZ and "Polesye," which will head to the Conference League qualifiers.