FC Shakhtar Donetsk, a fourth-placed club in the current 2023/2024 Ukrainian Premier League Season, have just pulled off one of the most shocking results in the history of the UEFA Champions League, after they defeated Spanish La Liga juggernauts Barcelona 1-0 at their home of Volksparkstadion in Matchday 4 of this year’s competition. 22-year-old Ukraine international and forward Danylo Sikan was the hero for Shakhtar Donetsk, as his effort five minutes before the first added time in the opening half was sufficient for his club to secure a famous victory over Xavi’s mighty Catalan Giants last night.
Ninth Meeting Between Shakhtar Donetsk and Barca
This Matchday 4 clash between Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona at the former’s home was the ninth meeting in the head-to-head history of the duo, and unsurprising to all, it was Barca who led in the overall record with six wins, including a 2-1 victory at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys a fortnight ago. Recovered from the defeat to the Catalan Giants with two domestic competition wins, Shakhtar Donetsk had three replacements in this match from their last starting lineup against Barcelona, whereas Xavi went an alteration further in his first 11 from the last European Cup game.
The injury-plagued Catalan Giants have not been able to score more than two goals in their last eight matches in all competitions, signifying a struggle at the front, and this was fully displayed during their away fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite a superior shot total and possession of 13 and 67% throughout the 90 minutes plus added time, Xavi’s men had no answers to take down the home team’s defence with only one shot on target.
The inability meant the night was for Marino Pušić’s side, who went on to draw first blood in the 40th minute, thanks to Sikan’s shot inside the penalty box. Midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov started the attack from the left flank, when the unguarded player switched the ball to the right with an impressive long ball, finding right-back Giorgi Gocholeishvili. The Georgia international controlled the ball well, before firing a perfect delivery for his centre-forward teammate to score his second Champions League goal this season, and Sikan’s monumental strike over the five-time winners brought the roof down for the roaring home fans.
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Shakhtar Donetsk Secured Third Win Over the Catalan Giants
Sikan’s goal was the only one in this Matchday 4 game of the European club football competition this season, meaning Shakhtar Donetsk successfully produced a famous victory over the Spanish La Liga powerhouses. But before you take a look at history books, the 1-0 win by Shakhtar Donetsk over Barca was not the first time the Ukrainian outfit had beaten the Spanish giants, having also defeated them twice in the past, first a 2-0 victory at Shakhtyor Stadium in December 2004 and another 3-2 upset at Camp Nou about one and a half decades ago.
Xavi certainly was not a happy man in the post-match conference. The 43-year-old cited the shocking defeat to Shakhtar Donestk as “A step backwards” and that they “Didn’t defend crosses well” during the game. “We’re in a low moment. in terms of our play, losses of the ball and how to attack. It can happen. We haven’t lost anything. Tactically, we played one of the worst games in the two years [that he has been in charge]. It wasn’t the right moment. We have to be self-critical. We are in a low moment in terms of confidence and we have to have a reset. We don’t feel comfortable with our play.”
Shakhtar Donetsk’s stunning results meant they are now three points away from the top two spots of Group H after four Matchdays, since Portuguese side FC Porto bagged a 2-0 win over 10-man Royal Antwerp F.C. in their own Champions League game. Porto’s victory not only saw veteran defender Pepe become the oldest goal scorer in the competition at 40 years and 254 days old, but it also allowed them to go level on points with Barcelona, and the duo, alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, will be going through a dogfight in the final two group matches to gain two spots in the knockout round of the competition.
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FT: FC Porto 2-0 Royal Antwerp.
1. FC Barcelona (9)
2. FC Porto (9)
3. Shakhtar Donetsk (6)
4. Royal Antwerp (0) pic.twitter.com/cLgOFSo6tK— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) November 7, 2023
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