Ukrainian footballers had a productive European cup evening in the Europa League and Conference League. Heorhii Sudakov scored in Benfica's winning match against Poland's Lech, the teams of Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Romanchuk also won, while Adam Huram's Hajduk lost to Lincoln Red Imps. This review of the performance of Ukrainians in European tournaments is based on Sport RBC.UA data.
Benfica routs Lech: Sudakov puts the finishing touch
Heorhii Sudakov and Anatolii Trubin were in the starting lineup for Benfica in their home match against Lech. The Lisbon side opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Rafa Silva successfully finished the hosts' attack. For Trubin, the first half passed with almost no work: the goalkeeper only caught the ball for the first time in the 43rd minute. Lech only managed to score in the 72nd minute, but by then Benfica had already doubled their lead — Prestianni's goal (67th minute) was followed by one from Sudakov.
Sudakov's goal in the 90th minute
It was Sudakov who put the final point in the encounter. In the 90th minute, the Ukrainian received a pass from the central zone, carried the ball down the right flank, and finished the attack himself with a clinical strike. The final score was 3:1 in favor of Benfica (goals: Silva, 6; Prestianni, 67; Sudakov, 90 — Bengtsson, 72).
Sikan and Anderlecht against Salzburg
Danylo Sikan also started in the starting lineup for his team. Anderlecht opened the scoring in the 20th minute: Augustinsson took a free kick and sent the ball directly into the back of Salzburg's net. In the 73rd minute, the Ukrainian forward was replaced by Winkler. The newcomer initially scored, but after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed. Ultimately, Winkler did score in the 90th minute to set the final score.
Sunderland and Dinamo Zagreb: Tutarov left on the bench
The English club unexpectedly lost to Dinamo Zagreb with a score of 0:2. The Croatians scored both goals in the first half — Luka Stojkovic opened the scoring (22nd minute), and Dion Beljo doubled the lead (39th minute). Sunderland tried to get back into the game at the start of the second half, but Isidor's goal in the 47th minute was disallowed. The Ukrainian Timur Tutarov spent the entire match on the bench.
Huram fails to save Hajduk from defeat
In the Lincoln Red Imps — Hajduk match, Ukrainian footballer Adam Huram started the game on the bench. The Croatian club was more active and bothered the hosts' defense more often, but there were no dangerous moments. Huram appeared on the field only in the 86th minute, and three minutes later Hajduk conceded: Hadzikadunic deflected the ball into his own net. This own goal was the only one of the match, and Hajduk lost.
Tsygankov misses match due to injury, Ajax routs Midtjylland
In Denmark, Midtjylland hosted Ajax, but Viktor Tsygankov could not take part in the encounter due to injury. The Amsterdammers opened the scoring in the ninth minute thanks to a goal by Osoro. In the 28th minute, Etim leveled the score, but late in the first half, the hosts' situation became complicated: Osoro received two yellow cards within eight minutes, leaving the team a man down. After the break, Ajax took advantage of the numerical superiority — Osoro scored a brace (52nd minute), then Wijndal (59), Klaassen (67), Gloukh (74), and Marcus Leonardo (82) scored. The result was 6:1 for the visitors.
Romanchuk helps Craiova keep a clean sheet
Universitatea Craiova defeated Albania's Egnatia 2:0 at home. The hosts decided the fate of the meeting in the first half: Cicaldau scored in the 24th minute, and eight minutes later Bancu doubled the lead. In the 84th minute, the guests were left with ten men — Bitri received two yellow cards in a short period of time and was sent off. Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Romanchuk started for Craiova and played the entire match. He did not contribute with goals or assists, but helped the team keep a clean sheet and win.
