Shakhtar Donetsk is gearing up for a pivotal match against Levoberezhzhya Kyiv on February 24, 2025, as part of the 18th round of the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL). Set to kickoff at 18:00 local time at Lviv’s Arena Lviv, this matchup will be broadcast live across various platforms, making it accessible to fans eager to witness the action.
The coaches of both teams have confirmed their starting lineups. Shakhtar's squad is led by goalkeeper Anatoliy Riznyk and features defenders such as Mykola Matvienko and Oleksandr Bondar. Midfield will see the talents of Pedrinho and Georgiy Sudakov, with Traore and Kevin set to lead the attack. On the bench, the team holds valuable reserves including Diego Arroyo and Kauan Elias, two recent acquisitions aiming to bolster the squad’s capabilities.
On the other hand, Levoberezhzhya, making its first appearance at this competitive level, is determined to stave off relegation. The team's prospects will depend largely on the performance of its front man, Ruslan Dedukh, who has been pivotal for the side this season. The starting XI includes goalkeeper Anton Mекhaniv and defenders such as Semenov and Shapoval, with Shastal and Sukhoruchko expected to contribute significantly.
Shakhtar currently sits third on the UPL table, accumulating 33 points, just behind second-placed Oleksandriya and table leaders Dynamo Kyiv, who have 43 points. The Donetsk team is coming off the back of mixed results, which includes a recent defeat against Borussia Dortmund and a win over Brest earlier this year. Under the management of Marino Pushic, Shakhtar is eager to return to winning ways and will look to exploit Levoberezhzhya’s vulnerabilities.
Levoberezhzhya, on the contrary, has been fighting to avoid relegation, currently placed 14th with only 16 points to their name. Despite struggling for form, winning just four matches this season, the team has shown signs of improvement with recent victories over LNZ and Vorskla. They hope to capitalize on the momentum gained from their last matches and prove their worth against the reigning champions.
The stakes are high for both teams. Shakhtar aims to solidify its title challenge by securing another three points, especially after previously defeating Levoberezhzhya 1-0 earlier this season. Meanwhile, Levoberezhzhya must pull together for the fight for survival. Each match is pivotal, and no points can be taken for granted.
With their 3rd place position, Shakhtar's defeat to Dynamo Kyiv earlier this season doesn't seem to deter their ambitions, as they still have matches to reclaim lost ground. Today’s match will be particularly poignant, as it features two teams with vastly different aspirations. Can Shakhtar assert its dominance, or will Levoberezhzhya spring a surprise and snatch valuable points?
This match is not just about points; it's also about pride, legacy, and proving oneself on the high-stakes stage of Ukrainian football. Fans can stay tuned for live updates and highlights of the match through various sports platforms including UPL-TV and follow live commentary on social media.
Kick off at 18:00 at Arena Lviv. Shakhtar vs. Levoberezhzhya.