Ten years of absence in the Champions League. Only a couple of legionnaires in the squad. And ahead of time, the role of an outsider of the group, defined by someone ... Despite all this, the Bucharest Steaua started the main European Cup tournament, defeating Dynamo Kyiv on the road.
In Ukraine, the Romanian champion, of course, was feared. But at the same time they unanimously reiterated the potential of the Kiev club, which hypothetically seemed much higher than that of the opponent. The words of the head coach of the guests of Kozmin Olarau about the desire to win in each match seemed banal and unimportant tribute to the protocol. True, the president of Steaua Bekali went much further and promised to take nine points in the first three matches. In response to such extravagance, the Ukrainians only wanted to smile. But on Wednesday evening, after the final whistle, just those who did not show examples of excessive modesty on the eve of the match were in a good mood.
In the last round of the championship of Ukraine Dynamo gave first points to Donetsk Metallurg. It entered the Champions League match in almost the same composition, only in return for the injured Verpakovsky place in the starting clip did Diogo Rinkon get. Anatoly Demyanenko’s choice is not so great today - on the contrary, a group of injured players is great. And they would certainly add mobility and variability to the team in Donetsk and in the match against the Romanians. But these games turned out to be in many respects similar and once again confirmed the problems of Kiev with the positional offensive and completion of attacks.
Already in the 3rd minute, the spring semi-finalists of the UEFA Cup forced Shovkovsky to get the ball out of the net. It is curious that the tall defender Gionya scored, who was overlooked in the penalty area when cornering, despite his fame as a skillful implementer of “standards”.
Rinkon and Rebrov matched a quick retaliatory goal for a couple - the attacker managed to hit the near corner, surrounded by the defenders, having written the 20th ball on his champion's score. Starting alarm seemed training - gradually Dynamo took possession of the territory and tangible gaming advantage. But contrary to the statistical calculations that spoke of the dominance of the hosts, the Romanians led again. Their rookie Badya head sent the ball into the net from the bar. Shovkovsky was out of work - note, while the guests struck only a second shot on target. Reached the goal and the third - at the end of the time! Dicke flawlessly performed the free-kick, striking a nine with a direct shot.
The second 45 minutes could turn the tide of the match, realize the most promising moments of the Shatsky, debutant of Kiev, the Colombian Moreno and Rebrov. “Steaua” fought hard and showed that if necessary it can effectively play purely on defense. This Kiev experience will probably come in handy for her in matches with the group's favorites - Lyon and Real. Apparently, the Romanian club should be taken seriously. Confirmation of this is the confidence and imposingness with which the old-timer and one of the leaders of the team Dike made a double in the end. He escaped almost from the center of the field and mockingly threw the goalkeeper of Kiev.
Since last season’s campaign for the second most important eurotrophy, Steaua has not only retained its composition - it strengthened it. And, it seems, has become stronger. It seems that she is no longer interested in the UEFA Cup this season.
Nikolay HODASEVICH