Golden match to decide fate in Ukraine

In the biggest match of the season, the top two clubs in Ukraine clashed in Wednesday, may 10th, to decide who would come on top – Dynamo Kyiv, or Shakhtar Donets’k.

Despite Shakhtars much better form, and better collection of players (in many peoples opinion), Dynamo beat Shakhtar, in Donets’k, earlier in the year 0 – 1, thanks to a Serhiy Rebrov goal. The final score in Kyiv on Wednesday, was 2 – 2. Dynamo got off to an early 2 – 0 lead, in the first half, but gave that lead up later in the 2nd half.

Due to an odd rule the Professional Football League of Ukraine made up, 1st place is decided by a “golden match”, in case of a draw. The golden match will be one game, literal “golden match”, taking place in a neutral ground (Kryvih Rih) , on Sunday the 13th of may.

In third place, and the final Eurocup spot – Chornomorets’ Odesa just edged out Illichivets’ Mariupol’. The relegation battle was just as tight, but this year, Volyn’ Luts’k and Zakarpattya Uzhorod will be relegated.

There was good attendance for most games this year, and it seems the Ukrainian premier league continues to improve, at a fast pace. Hopefully, this progress continues – But only if it means benefitting the Ukrainian National Team, not just inviting any foreigner who looks half decent.