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ROUND 1
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-4 Union Berlin
Just a game where the better quality players in the right areas played pivotal for Berlin as I could easily argue we deserved a draw on the balance of play. But, that's irrelevant and maybe we got too adventurous on round 1 as we got countered throughout. But, we know we had a lacklustre off season, not that there was much we could've changed or done differently. It'll be another long campaign for us, we'll just make the most with what we have, we go again is all we can say!
EFL CUP ROUND 1
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 Real Sociedad
Fantastic result, the money we'll get from his is huge for our club it'll help the slow arduous build to one day move up the leagues. But the game itself was nip and tuck, we didn't want to give up too many chances and keep it tight, Sociedad are a top flight squad and its a bit of an upset for us to beat them by two goals in my opinion but at the same time its cup football and we'll just take the win and move into the next round.
We know we're never going to play anyone off the park and dominate games so we win how we can and it's nice to get the first win of the season.
ROUND 2
Villarreal 0-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
This is a huge win, a side who smashed 5 goals in round 1 and knocked Bayern out the cup midweek, we knew it'd be a huge test. We again play a team with a gulf in class to us and we stood the test. We didn't make much in the way of chances, just the two, but that's all we needed and that's all we're bothered about. Admittedly you can say there was an element of luck but once we got Infront out captain put a solid display in and made sure we kept them out. Very happy with proceedings today, off the mark, lets keep it going.
ROUND 3
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 0-3 Red Bull Leipzig
Battered by a team who are again clearly ahead of us, they came down from EFL 1 last season but they're a club. On the game we gambled our set up and yes it was a schoolboy error, we can't complain at all with the outcome and its a day of no positives. We got picked apart and this one does highlight work needs to be done simply, we can't carry on with some of the squad we have, we need enforcements to try and replicate last season. We'll have good and bad games but I'd rather nip the bad ones now than let things get worse.
EFL CUP ROUND 2
Schalke 3-5 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
I didn't think I'd see us score 5 goals anytime soon but there we are and we get through another cup round, with a further £2.5m in the bank it's massive for us.
The game was chaotic, a 4th minute injury could've scuppered us, but we stormed on and went 3 up at the break. We added another on 58 minutes before we lost our big summer signing to a red card, so 4 up on 64 minutes but a man light. Then as the clock started to run down Schalke scored 2 goals through Aubameyang looking like a late revival could be happening.
We nipped that in the bud with youth prospect Angelo scoring our 5th on 90 minutes, but Schalke kept going and bagged another themselves with pretty much the last action.
It was a close game but I think made closer with the events which happened and the changes we made as a result. I'm delighted this club has another cup tie to look forward to and more cash coming our way from gate receipts, we've already gone further than last year but hopefully we can keep going.
ROUND 4
Real Betis 1-2 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
What a result, but once again we played under the cosh and can count our chickens. We came into the tie missing 2 players and had our selection choices compromised as a result. So we tried something a bit different and took the early lead from the route 1 plan. We changed up our tactics against a very good side who just threw everything at us. As the first half drew to a close we doubled our lead but let the Spaniards in right on the whistle.
We held strong and a great display from our 'keeper saw us get our second win of the league season. We come away with another injury from the game, so the squad will be utilised again amongst some new additions. We need some injuries and suspensions to help the minutes, but we've had 3 in 3 games, one for 3 games!
ROUND 5
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-2 Valencia
They have just a little bit more quality than us in their squad and that was the difference in the result. I couldn't be more pleased with the showing as we ran them for their money and matched them all game. On another day we'd get a different result. But the only think which I can bemoan is the instant response from levelling the tie, no sooner had they kicked off they scored and against a man light we didn't seize the opportunity. But it was an action packed game, just a shame we come away pointless.
ROUND 6
Sparta Prague 0-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
We can't win at home, on our travels we're polar opposite and today was a complete display from us. Sparta are a squad in and around where we are and to beat them by 3 goals is very pleasing. A whole host of chances, some good individual efforts and a clean sheet makes it almost a perfect day for us. We know we have a long, long season ahead but results like this are vital to us. We chose to make a change we didn't want to do when bringing in Gyokeres but it's clear he's going to be vital for us. We needed goals and ofcourse he's not the best around, but he's the best we could afford and he'll do great things for us and 2 goals today shows that.
We keep saying it, we know our limitations, we know our expectations and our targets and we'll do what we can to keep excelling them.
ROUND 7
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-1 Real Sociedad
I'm very happy with this result for a few reasons. One, we trailed and fought back and as the tie went on became the stronger side. Two, Sociedad are a much better side than us so to take a point off them is huge for us. Three, we ended the home loss form. We didn't play exuberant football but with the injuries and availabilities we had available we made the most of a game plan with what we have.
We managed to get 2 players rated up which is vital, but expensive for ourselves, might just help a bit more going forward, and increase prices on the unwanted bids on Sudakov.
But we're doing good enough for now, and hopefully we can maintain some form and cling to where we are.
FLT ROUND 1
Notts County 4-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
The random tactic gave the advantage and packed their defence. We lead and tried to shut up shop ourselves, but 10 minutes left 1-1. Then in extra time we let in 3 more goals.
All in all we didn't play well, the home and TA was obviously too potent for us, and we crash out with what can only be described as a shite performance.
ROUND 8
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 5-0 Red Bull Salzburg
Wow! This was a huge surprise and given we've struggled at home we ended that barren form. It was one of our best days ever for performances and outcome and to be honest I think we've surprised everyone with this on. We faltered midweek, so this was a perfect response to that. The new boys Gyokeres and Ahmada have settled in very well and are fast becoming important players.
We won't have too many of these games, we are well aware of it but its a great result for the seasons numbers.
ROUND 9
Benfica 2-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Such heartbreaker losing to an 88min penalty!
Benfica has some top tier calibre players in their ranks, and yes they had a main defender out, but their options in the top end are of high quality. To run them so close and give a very tough game is something I'm proud of. The team gave as good as they got and slowly, we're improving. We go again the in cup, also against Benfica, where a result there would be absolutely massive for us.
EFL CUP ROUND 3
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 3-5 Benfica
Beaten twice in a week but we gave a bloody good effort today once again. Today, a full strength Benfica just had too much for us. We said Monday, they're hosting top tier players across the team, it's no surprise we lost but we're happy with our efforts. We bemoan the lack of extra finances for sure and even the extra minutes for one or two cup football would give us. But we're happy with the efforts, we know we need recruitments but trying to fund and where is proving more difficult.
We have to focus on the league and just keep pushing for the highest finish possible.
ROUND 10
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 Stadde Rennes
A very good showing from our point of view and it's a win against a side on paper more on our level than teams like Valencia and Benfica. We started with the Mike Bassett 4-4-fucking 2, and even though we got countered we seemed to be very strong still. Gyokeres got the goal we needed then we adjusted slightly and seemed to give us a little more control before the route one approach to see out the tie, where we had a late goal ruled out. it's very pleasing and we go back into the top 6, which we know isn't our battle realistically but we'll enjoy the ride while we're there. A good display and with players slowly making minutes we will feel more stable for sure.
ROUND 11
PSV Eindhoven 2-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Up to 4th? This is nose bleed territory for us!
What a display too, in control and dominating the game but a bit close to throwing it away. We went 3 up and I thought we was in a good spot, but we lost concentration for a bit and the Dutch side bagged two of their own to make the last quarter a bit squeaky bum time. We deserved the result today so losing the 3 points would've been a travesty, but we've found some good domestic form and we'll just keep going as long as we can. Gyokeres has proved to be a pivotal signing for us no doubt, his form has been excellent, we still need recruitments and improvements but as we keep saying, little infrastructure makes it more difficult.
ROUND 12
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 0-0 Marseille
Marseille simply are a much better side than us, and today we ran riot against them but come away with nothing. It's a clear sign the squad will need improvements, and on a day like today we have to do better. Normally I'd be content with a point but we were all over them, and its a frustrating day for us. We stay in the top 6 for now, we'll enjoy it while we're here for sure as we don't expect to stay here too long.
Can't say much else, we did everything today but didn't score!
ROUND 13
FC Porto 6-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Well, it was a fun little ride, but ultimately that PortO squad that has just a little bit more than us had a ruthlessness about them today. Despite taking the lead we conceded 2 goals in the first half and gave a match of it. Late on carnage hit, we started to throw men forward and go attacking and we got picked off, before you knew it we found ourselves 6-1 down. We scored two goals in injury time to make the shoreline SLIGHTLY more respectable, but overall Porto edged the first 2/3s of the game and dominated the last 3rd. It's one of those game, we know we have a squad which will get some of them, but we'll dust off and go again and hope to finish the first half of the season positively.
ROUND 14
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 3-1 Frankfurt
A very good display against a proven capable manager. But we pretty much had Frankfurt at arms length for the majority of the game, we reacted to going an early goal down and then dictated the tie really. As a performance it was a very good one, but the main thing is to get back to winning ways after a few bad results. We're back in the top 6 which is pleasing on the back of the game. We just keep going and if the big players keep performing as they do we'll be OK this season.
ROUND 15
Atalanta 2-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
What a display. After losing our star striker early on we knew the tie would be tougher. We managed to take a lead and then found ourselves 2-1 down at the break. As the tie went on we started to be more bold and threw more up the pitch. That got us the equaliser and then 8 minutes to go, super youth Angelo got the winner having come on form Gyokeres.
It's a huge win for us in the way the game unravelled and we're ecstatic in the changing room. We're showing huge character for a team of quality and proving many wrong along the way with what we're doing so far, long may it continue.
ROUND 16
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-1 RC Lens
Is that right that we now sit 2nd? How the f*** are we where we are!
I'm ecstatic with the results this team keeps plucking, we're well punching and we do expect a fall. But we'll enjoy the ride whilst it lasts. The game today we started off being countered, and we missed our main attacker so we felt a bit limited with selection. We did get slightly outplayed but I think we decided the game by throwing Ahmada on with him having a telling part in the decider. Once we got a bit bolder and threw the dice we got our rewards.
Not a great display, but big result for us.
ROUND 17
Schalke 5-0 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Well, that's a reminder of our depth!
Last time we played E, we got spanked, and it happened again today although the game was much closer than the outcome. All in all it's one of them days which shows our true abilities. We did give a good game at but at the back we just crumbled, and maybe we'll regret loaning our main defensive back up out. But, brush under the carpet and go again.
ROUND 18
Ajax 0-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Last week was just a blip right? But today we though we'd go for it and despite Ajax parking the bus they had the better of the early exchanges particularly. We did start getting into the game in the first half and it but despite trying to attack, our approach looked futile. Late on we made the subs and Cabral scored with his first touch which proved the only goal of the game. It was a quiet game really and for the two approaches we didn't utilise it enough and we can call this one a lucky win in the circumstances, the game had draw all over it.
But we're back to second in the league and we have a couple points gap to the bottom of the play offs which is nice, we're ticking off more and more minutes, things are going OK so far.
ROUND 19
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-1 Lyon
Not the most exciting game, but we did have a little more than Lyon on the game and only have our poorer finishing to blame. It's not a bad result on the game, but can only sit a rue the missed opportunity to put a small bridge between us and 3rd. It's one we maybe deserved the win on how the game went but we won't lose sleep in the end, we didn't do enough ourselves to snatch it. But, at the half way point this is an excellent start to the season and as we've said we know we're punching above our weight but we'll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.
We're behind a Leipzig side who are better than most, if not all, the teams in this league and we face them on Friday without our talismanic midfielder, but as we have done all season, we'll give it a bloody good go and make sure we're still annoying the bigger teams above us.
2867 WORDS
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-4 Union Berlin
Just a game where the better quality players in the right areas played pivotal for Berlin as I could easily argue we deserved a draw on the balance of play. But, that's irrelevant and maybe we got too adventurous on round 1 as we got countered throughout. But, we know we had a lacklustre off season, not that there was much we could've changed or done differently. It'll be another long campaign for us, we'll just make the most with what we have, we go again is all we can say!
EFL CUP ROUND 1
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 Real Sociedad
Fantastic result, the money we'll get from his is huge for our club it'll help the slow arduous build to one day move up the leagues. But the game itself was nip and tuck, we didn't want to give up too many chances and keep it tight, Sociedad are a top flight squad and its a bit of an upset for us to beat them by two goals in my opinion but at the same time its cup football and we'll just take the win and move into the next round.
We know we're never going to play anyone off the park and dominate games so we win how we can and it's nice to get the first win of the season.
ROUND 2
Villarreal 0-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
This is a huge win, a side who smashed 5 goals in round 1 and knocked Bayern out the cup midweek, we knew it'd be a huge test. We again play a team with a gulf in class to us and we stood the test. We didn't make much in the way of chances, just the two, but that's all we needed and that's all we're bothered about. Admittedly you can say there was an element of luck but once we got Infront out captain put a solid display in and made sure we kept them out. Very happy with proceedings today, off the mark, lets keep it going.
ROUND 3
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 0-3 Red Bull Leipzig
Battered by a team who are again clearly ahead of us, they came down from EFL 1 last season but they're a club. On the game we gambled our set up and yes it was a schoolboy error, we can't complain at all with the outcome and its a day of no positives. We got picked apart and this one does highlight work needs to be done simply, we can't carry on with some of the squad we have, we need enforcements to try and replicate last season. We'll have good and bad games but I'd rather nip the bad ones now than let things get worse.
EFL CUP ROUND 2
Schalke 3-5 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
I didn't think I'd see us score 5 goals anytime soon but there we are and we get through another cup round, with a further £2.5m in the bank it's massive for us.
The game was chaotic, a 4th minute injury could've scuppered us, but we stormed on and went 3 up at the break. We added another on 58 minutes before we lost our big summer signing to a red card, so 4 up on 64 minutes but a man light. Then as the clock started to run down Schalke scored 2 goals through Aubameyang looking like a late revival could be happening.
We nipped that in the bud with youth prospect Angelo scoring our 5th on 90 minutes, but Schalke kept going and bagged another themselves with pretty much the last action.
It was a close game but I think made closer with the events which happened and the changes we made as a result. I'm delighted this club has another cup tie to look forward to and more cash coming our way from gate receipts, we've already gone further than last year but hopefully we can keep going.
ROUND 4
Real Betis 1-2 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
What a result, but once again we played under the cosh and can count our chickens. We came into the tie missing 2 players and had our selection choices compromised as a result. So we tried something a bit different and took the early lead from the route 1 plan. We changed up our tactics against a very good side who just threw everything at us. As the first half drew to a close we doubled our lead but let the Spaniards in right on the whistle.
We held strong and a great display from our 'keeper saw us get our second win of the league season. We come away with another injury from the game, so the squad will be utilised again amongst some new additions. We need some injuries and suspensions to help the minutes, but we've had 3 in 3 games, one for 3 games!
ROUND 5
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-2 Valencia
They have just a little bit more quality than us in their squad and that was the difference in the result. I couldn't be more pleased with the showing as we ran them for their money and matched them all game. On another day we'd get a different result. But the only think which I can bemoan is the instant response from levelling the tie, no sooner had they kicked off they scored and against a man light we didn't seize the opportunity. But it was an action packed game, just a shame we come away pointless.
ROUND 6
Sparta Prague 0-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
We can't win at home, on our travels we're polar opposite and today was a complete display from us. Sparta are a squad in and around where we are and to beat them by 3 goals is very pleasing. A whole host of chances, some good individual efforts and a clean sheet makes it almost a perfect day for us. We know we have a long, long season ahead but results like this are vital to us. We chose to make a change we didn't want to do when bringing in Gyokeres but it's clear he's going to be vital for us. We needed goals and ofcourse he's not the best around, but he's the best we could afford and he'll do great things for us and 2 goals today shows that.
We keep saying it, we know our limitations, we know our expectations and our targets and we'll do what we can to keep excelling them.
ROUND 7
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-1 Real Sociedad
I'm very happy with this result for a few reasons. One, we trailed and fought back and as the tie went on became the stronger side. Two, Sociedad are a much better side than us so to take a point off them is huge for us. Three, we ended the home loss form. We didn't play exuberant football but with the injuries and availabilities we had available we made the most of a game plan with what we have.
We managed to get 2 players rated up which is vital, but expensive for ourselves, might just help a bit more going forward, and increase prices on the unwanted bids on Sudakov.
But we're doing good enough for now, and hopefully we can maintain some form and cling to where we are.
FLT ROUND 1
Notts County 4-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
The random tactic gave the advantage and packed their defence. We lead and tried to shut up shop ourselves, but 10 minutes left 1-1. Then in extra time we let in 3 more goals.
All in all we didn't play well, the home and TA was obviously too potent for us, and we crash out with what can only be described as a shite performance.
ROUND 8
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 5-0 Red Bull Salzburg
Wow! This was a huge surprise and given we've struggled at home we ended that barren form. It was one of our best days ever for performances and outcome and to be honest I think we've surprised everyone with this on. We faltered midweek, so this was a perfect response to that. The new boys Gyokeres and Ahmada have settled in very well and are fast becoming important players.
We won't have too many of these games, we are well aware of it but its a great result for the seasons numbers.
ROUND 9
Benfica 2-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Such heartbreaker losing to an 88min penalty!
Benfica has some top tier calibre players in their ranks, and yes they had a main defender out, but their options in the top end are of high quality. To run them so close and give a very tough game is something I'm proud of. The team gave as good as they got and slowly, we're improving. We go again the in cup, also against Benfica, where a result there would be absolutely massive for us.
EFL CUP ROUND 3
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 3-5 Benfica
Beaten twice in a week but we gave a bloody good effort today once again. Today, a full strength Benfica just had too much for us. We said Monday, they're hosting top tier players across the team, it's no surprise we lost but we're happy with our efforts. We bemoan the lack of extra finances for sure and even the extra minutes for one or two cup football would give us. But we're happy with the efforts, we know we need recruitments but trying to fund and where is proving more difficult.
We have to focus on the league and just keep pushing for the highest finish possible.
ROUND 10
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 Stadde Rennes
A very good showing from our point of view and it's a win against a side on paper more on our level than teams like Valencia and Benfica. We started with the Mike Bassett 4-4-fucking 2, and even though we got countered we seemed to be very strong still. Gyokeres got the goal we needed then we adjusted slightly and seemed to give us a little more control before the route one approach to see out the tie, where we had a late goal ruled out. it's very pleasing and we go back into the top 6, which we know isn't our battle realistically but we'll enjoy the ride while we're there. A good display and with players slowly making minutes we will feel more stable for sure.
ROUND 11
PSV Eindhoven 2-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Up to 4th? This is nose bleed territory for us!
What a display too, in control and dominating the game but a bit close to throwing it away. We went 3 up and I thought we was in a good spot, but we lost concentration for a bit and the Dutch side bagged two of their own to make the last quarter a bit squeaky bum time. We deserved the result today so losing the 3 points would've been a travesty, but we've found some good domestic form and we'll just keep going as long as we can. Gyokeres has proved to be a pivotal signing for us no doubt, his form has been excellent, we still need recruitments and improvements but as we keep saying, little infrastructure makes it more difficult.
ROUND 12
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 0-0 Marseille
Marseille simply are a much better side than us, and today we ran riot against them but come away with nothing. It's a clear sign the squad will need improvements, and on a day like today we have to do better. Normally I'd be content with a point but we were all over them, and its a frustrating day for us. We stay in the top 6 for now, we'll enjoy it while we're here for sure as we don't expect to stay here too long.
Can't say much else, we did everything today but didn't score!
ROUND 13
FC Porto 6-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Well, it was a fun little ride, but ultimately that PortO squad that has just a little bit more than us had a ruthlessness about them today. Despite taking the lead we conceded 2 goals in the first half and gave a match of it. Late on carnage hit, we started to throw men forward and go attacking and we got picked off, before you knew it we found ourselves 6-1 down. We scored two goals in injury time to make the shoreline SLIGHTLY more respectable, but overall Porto edged the first 2/3s of the game and dominated the last 3rd. It's one of those game, we know we have a squad which will get some of them, but we'll dust off and go again and hope to finish the first half of the season positively.
ROUND 14
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 3-1 Frankfurt
A very good display against a proven capable manager. But we pretty much had Frankfurt at arms length for the majority of the game, we reacted to going an early goal down and then dictated the tie really. As a performance it was a very good one, but the main thing is to get back to winning ways after a few bad results. We're back in the top 6 which is pleasing on the back of the game. We just keep going and if the big players keep performing as they do we'll be OK this season.
ROUND 15
Atalanta 2-3 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
What a display. After losing our star striker early on we knew the tie would be tougher. We managed to take a lead and then found ourselves 2-1 down at the break. As the tie went on we started to be more bold and threw more up the pitch. That got us the equaliser and then 8 minutes to go, super youth Angelo got the winner having come on form Gyokeres.
It's a huge win for us in the way the game unravelled and we're ecstatic in the changing room. We're showing huge character for a team of quality and proving many wrong along the way with what we're doing so far, long may it continue.
ROUND 16
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-1 RC Lens
Is that right that we now sit 2nd? How the f*** are we where we are!
I'm ecstatic with the results this team keeps plucking, we're well punching and we do expect a fall. But we'll enjoy the ride whilst it lasts. The game today we started off being countered, and we missed our main attacker so we felt a bit limited with selection. We did get slightly outplayed but I think we decided the game by throwing Ahmada on with him having a telling part in the decider. Once we got a bit bolder and threw the dice we got our rewards.
Not a great display, but big result for us.
ROUND 17
Schalke 5-0 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Well, that's a reminder of our depth!
Last time we played E, we got spanked, and it happened again today although the game was much closer than the outcome. All in all it's one of them days which shows our true abilities. We did give a good game at but at the back we just crumbled, and maybe we'll regret loaning our main defensive back up out. But, brush under the carpet and go again.
ROUND 18
Ajax 0-1 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Last week was just a blip right? But today we though we'd go for it and despite Ajax parking the bus they had the better of the early exchanges particularly. We did start getting into the game in the first half and it but despite trying to attack, our approach looked futile. Late on we made the subs and Cabral scored with his first touch which proved the only goal of the game. It was a quiet game really and for the two approaches we didn't utilise it enough and we can call this one a lucky win in the circumstances, the game had draw all over it.
But we're back to second in the league and we have a couple points gap to the bottom of the play offs which is nice, we're ticking off more and more minutes, things are going OK so far.
ROUND 19
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-1 Lyon
Not the most exciting game, but we did have a little more than Lyon on the game and only have our poorer finishing to blame. It's not a bad result on the game, but can only sit a rue the missed opportunity to put a small bridge between us and 3rd. It's one we maybe deserved the win on how the game went but we won't lose sleep in the end, we didn't do enough ourselves to snatch it. But, at the half way point this is an excellent start to the season and as we've said we know we're punching above our weight but we'll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.
We're behind a Leipzig side who are better than most, if not all, the teams in this league and we face them on Friday without our talismanic midfielder, but as we have done all season, we'll give it a bloody good go and make sure we're still annoying the bigger teams above us.
2867 WORDS