Shakhtar Donetsk lost its first “home game” in the Champions League in Hamburg. The Ukrainian champions deservedly lost 1:3 (1:3) to FC Porto in the Volksparkstadion on Tuesday evening.
46,729 fans – including the HSV professionals and coach Tim Walter – gave the game a worthy setting. Those who stuck with Donetsk only had reason to be happy once. Venezuelan Kevin Kelsy erased the Ukrainians’ early deficit in the 13th minute. Otherwise, Porto was clearly the better team. And the hosts’ joy over their only goal only lasted two minutes. The Brazilian Galeno, who had already made it 1-0 (8th), made it 2-1. Mehdi Taremi – on an assist from Galeno – ensured the half-time and final score in the 29th minute.
Because not much happened in the second half. Twice it could have been exciting again, but Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa was in his place. Because FC Barcelona defeated Royal Antwerp 5-0 in the parallel game, the Ukrainians are in third place in Group H after the first matchday.
Donetsk hasn’t been home since 2014
The fact that Shakhtar is playing in Hamburg is due to the Russian war of aggression. At the game against Porto, the entry children of both teams and the referee team were young refugees from Ukraine. Shakhtar captain Taras Stepanenko thanked the German help for his country in a video message before kick-off.
“We know how the Germans support the Ukrainians, there are also many Ukrainians living here. Thank you that we can continue the game of our lives. Thank you, Germany.”
— Shakhtar captain Taras Stepanenko
Donetsk has not played in its own stadium since 2014 – since Russia occupied eastern Ukraine. In war, this is no longer an option. Shakhtar is not allowed to play internationally in Ukraine; Warsaw was their “adopted home” last season. In Poland, Donetsk defied Real Madrid to a draw in the “premier class” in 2022. However, after a 4-0 defeat on the last preliminary round matchday against Leipzig, it was the end of the road.
Barcelona and Antwerp are still coming to Hamburg
Because there were scheduling problems in Warsaw this season, the Ukrainians looked for a new venue. Hamburg applied and was awarded the contract. HSV supports the organization, takes care of ticket sales and receives a share of the sales. Given the number of tickets sold, it’s probably a worthwhile deal for both sides.
Around 2,000 km away from home, Donetsk, who are still unbeaten in the domestic league after seven match days, are likely to go better in the following five games – especially at the Volksparkstadion: On November 7th, Barcelona will be visiting Hamburg, the game against Antwerp follows on November 28th. And perhaps there will be more games on the Elbe for Shakhtar.
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Sep 19, 2023 | 11:03 p.m
