Shakhtar Donetsk took on Bayer Leverkusen at the Donbass Arena tonight, looking to banish memories of a 4-0 defeat to their Group A rivals a fortnight ago.
The Ukraine giants made wholesale changes in search of a vital victory and looked threatening early on, with Dario Srna coming close as his cross came crashing back off the woodwork.
Leverkusen provided stubborn resistance though, holding firm in the second half to claim a credible point that keeps them second in Group A.
Look back at what could prove to be an important result for Sami Hyypia's men with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute text commentary below.
Evening European football fans. Thanks for joining Sports Mole on another busy night of Champions League action, as we approach the business end of the group stages. Our focus here will be on a potentially pivotal clash from Group A, as Shakhtar Donetsk defend their proud European home record against Bayer Leverkusen.
The pressure in Ukraine tonight is undoubtedly on Shakhtar, who desperately need a result to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. Two weeks ago the wheels came falling for for Mircea Lucescu's men at the BayArena, capitulating in a 4-0 defeat to a Leverkusen side full of confidence and attacking intent.
Shakhtar have undoubtedly struggled to compensate for the loss of Fernandinho and Willian over the last 12 months, with their latest band of Brazilian imports struggling to match the lofty achievements of their predecessors. A victory tonight though would go a long way towards helping Donetsk fans forget about a shaky start in the league, which continued with a shock 2-0 defeat at Volyn Lutsk last Friday.
Bayer Leverkusen meanwhile have enjoyed a superb start to the season, but did stutter after coach Sami Hyypia decided to make wholesale changes at Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend. Two wins from three in Group A has shown definite signs of European progress at the BaYArena this season, with the challenge now to continue that good work by claiming a positive result from the tricky trip to Ukraine.
That disappointing display at Braunschweig did perhaps show that Leverkusen lack the strength in depth to truly compete with big-spending Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, but qualification for the last 16 remains a realistic prospect. With that in mind expect forward talisman Stefan Kiessling to return in attack this evening, with Sidney Sam and Son Heung-Min also in line for a recall.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! We have just received word on the starting XIs from the Donbass Arena and Hyypia has unsurprisingly reverted to his strongest side, making no fewer than six changes. A full look at both lineups will follow in just a few moments.
SHAKHTAR: Pyatov, Kucher, Shevchuk, Rakitskiy, Hübschman, Bernard, Fernando, Douglas Costa, Alex Teixeira, Srna, Ferreyra
LEVERKUSEN: Leno, Spahić, Boenisch, Ömer Toprak, Donati, Rolfes, Bender, Sam, Castro, Son Heung-Min, Kiessling
The German giants are back to the familiar three-man strikeforce which has served them so well in recent months, with Kiessling, Sam and Son all starting in attack. Midfield anchor Lars Bender is back to provide cover for that trio, returning to the starting XI despite being sent off in domestic action last weekend.
There are also defensive changes for the visitors tonight, with Emir Spahic and Giulio Donati replacing Philipp Wollscheid and Roberto Hilbert at the back. It will be interesting to see if Leverkusen are more compact in defence this evening, with their natural instinct to force the action exposed in their last European away fixture, a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Shakhtar coach Lucescu has also reacted to a shock domestic defeat by making sweeping changes tonight, with no fewer than six players dropping to the bench. Eduardo, Ismaily, Fred and Taras Stepanenko all miss out for the hosts, although Bernard retain his place and gets a chance to impress in the Champions League as from the start.
One slight surprise for Skahtar is the return of Andriy Pyatov in between the sticks. The veteran goalkeeper had an absolute shocker against Leverkusen two weeks ago and was responsible for at least two of their four goals conceded, but is back in favour and gets the opportunity to atone for his errors this evening.
More than 50,000 fans are expected at the Donbass Arena tonight, so the pressure is on for Shakhtar to get their European campaign back on track. Donetsk fans will be particularly impatient to see a performance from Bernanrd, with the most expensive player in the history of Ukrainian football taking his time to settle in so far.
If Shakhtar are to earn a much-needed victory this evening it must come despite a hoodoo against German sides. They have not beaten German opposition on home soil since 1980, while also falling to Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 over two legs last season.
Leverkusen could move five points clear of tonight's opponents in Group A with a victory in Donetsk, going a long way towards securing qualification. Heading into this evening's tie the German side sit second in Group A, with Shakhtar two points behind with four points from their three games.
A reminder that there is one other crucial clash in Group A tonight, which sees Manchester United pitted against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. David Moyes's men would move to 10 points with a victory over the Spanish side, who are still searching for their points in this season's competition.
There is no doubt who the danger man is for Leverkusen tonight, with Kiessling back to lead the line and in a rich vein of form. Leverkusen's forward talisman has eight goals in 14 appearances so far this season, including a brace against Shakhtar a fortnight ago.
Shakhtar have quite surprisingly dropped their top scorer so far this season, with Luiz Adriano left out this evening. Argentine forward Ferreyra will sit just ahead of three Brazilian playmakers just in behind, with the creative impetus falling on Bernard, Alex Teixeira and Douglas Costa.
PREDICTION! With Shakhtar more desperate for a result tonight I find it hard to pick against the Ukrainian's on home soil tonight, despite their inconsistent start to the season. Leverkusen always looks like scoring but may well be caught at the back, with Alex Teixeira able to make the difference in a 2-1 home win.
The two teams are out and greeted by a sea of orange and black from a packed home crowd, with banners out and ready for the iconic Champions League theme tune. Without a win tonight it may be some time before the Shakhtar faithful get to experience this atmosphere again. The pressure is on!
A pre-match huddle from the Leverkusen players is over and we are just about ready to get underway. Lucescu looks remarkably calm and dressed down on the touchline, as the visitors kick off shooting from right to left in a changed all-white strip.
Srna is penalised for a late tackle inside 30 seconds as Shakhtar look to press from the outset, as Fernando leads an early charge out wide.
Bender robs Bernard of possession to stop a spell of Shakhtar possession, with Toprak smashing clear for the visitors. Leverkusen are sitting deep and look happy to play on the counter early on, as Srna just stops Kiessling controlling a chipped ball over the top.
Bernard gives away a cheap free kick a cheap free kick after clipping Donati out wide, but Sam's delivery is a poor one and fails to beat the first defender.
Ferreyra tests Leno for the first time with a snapshot on the half-volley, after dropping off to meet Srna's cutback following a raid down the right. Leverkusen allowed that shot to get on target after conceding possession cheaply in central midfield, something you do not normally expect from Sami Hyypia's team.
CHANCE! Shakhtar have settled quickly in possession and continue to look for Srna bombing on from full-back, as he robs Boenisch of possession. His terrific cross towards the near post is met by a flick from Ferreyra, who is denied by a strong stop from Leno at his near post. So close for the hosts there.
Leverkusen are being forced to defend in numbers as Rolfes just gets across to stop Bernard cutting inside to shoot from close range. The hosts settle for a corner kick which is worked short towards Bernard, who picks up the pieces before curling well over the far post from range.
Castro is the latest player harried off the ball in midfield as Shakhtar maintain momentum, with Bernanrd continuing a lively start by switching play. Leverkusen then relieve pressure as they look to spring forward on the counter, with Kiessling cynically brought down on the halfway line by Kucher.
Son's neat turn inside nearly has Levekusen in on goal, but the forward is eventually crowded after initially trapping Donati's cross with precision. Shakhtar launch long from the clearance and manage to win a corner kick, which is taken short but eventually knocked away by Spahic.
Teixeira is the latest Shakhtar player to find space inside the final third, cutting inside before eventually seeing a curling strike deflected away. Leverkusen break and initially have Kiessling and Son matched up in a two-on-two at the back, but Srna provides cover and manages to clear.
Son wins a free kick around 25 yards from goal after being hauled to the ground by a late challenge from Shevchuk, giving Leverkusen a chance to get their first strike on goal. Castro duly obliges with a curling effort but his strike lacks power, easily held by Pyatov at his near post.
Sidney Sam has his first effort of the night after gambling on a speculative knock into the area, controlling before dragging a poor effort well wide of the near post. At the other end Shakhtar are soon pressing forward through Costa, who can only send a low cross safely through to a grateful Leno.
Bernard is quickly told to get up after diving over Donati, after putting the ball through his legs and attempting to run round the other side just shy of the penalty area. Leverkusen waste no time in smashing forward towards Kiessling in the next passage of play, but get the long pass wrong as this clash remains very much end-to-end early on.
OFF THE POST! Srna has very nearly just put Skahtar ahead, albeit inadvertently. His attempted cross hammered into the area never curled back inside and had Leno rooted to the spot, rattling off the far upright and bouncing back out of the woodwork. Bernard then drives inside as Shakhtar keep up the pressure, forcing Leno to parry with a strong stop from close range.
More Shakhtar pressure as Bernard slips Rakitskiy free inside the box with a clever pass. His first effort is blocked by Toprak but he produces a fierce strike on goal from the follow-up, which Leno sends over the top with a strong outstretched arm.
Ferreyra is just flagged offside as he attempts to meet Srna's latest flick into the final third. The Shakhtar skipper has been their main creative outlet once again tonight from full-back, as another move involving Ferreyra and Bernard breaks down soon after.
Sam takes a knock to the head but quickly gets up and is fine to continue, putting pressure on Kucher as he calmly shields the ball out for a goal kick. Leverkusen would gladly take an early half-time whistle to regroup after spending the large majority of the first half defending, as Leno catches Costa's hopeful drive from distance.
HALF-TIME Shakhtar 0-0 Leverkusen
An encouraging first 45 minutes then for Shakhtar, who have largely controlled possession and territory without being able to find the breakthrough. Leverkusen have sat deep and soaked up the pressure, staying a live threat on the break with Son and Sam's pace.
Shakhtar have looked the far more likely after starting the clash with intensity, regularly offering a threat down both flanks through Bernard and Srna. The Croatian struck the bar with a cross before the break, with Leverkusen goalkeeper Leno kept busy throughout.
Leverkusen have been restricted to set pieces and half-breaks on the counter by purposeful home side, with Castro's tame free kick the only strike on target from Hyypia's side so far. Leno had to make the best save of the match so far to keep out Ferreyra, just parrying his flick at the near post.
BENCH WATCH! Shakhtar coach Lucescu has gone on record as saying tonight's match is must-win, so expect the hosts to attack in numbers once more when play resumes. They options in reserve too, with former Arsenal striker Eduardo, Taison and top scorer Adriano all waiting in the wings.
Both sides are back out quickly at the Donbass Arena, with the Shakhtar fans in full voice and what looks to be a rare mild night in Ukraine. The hosts get the second half underway, looking for a victory which would kickstart their Champions League campaign.
YELLOW CARD! Less than 60 seconds after the restart Bender receives a caution after bundling over Bernard around 30 yards from goal. Srna lines up the free kick and aims a clever low strike towards the near post, which Leno just manages to save at full stretch with the ball bouncing up just before reaching the line. A very good stop!
Shakhtar are forced to defend as Bender flicks a hopeful cross back towards the six-yard box, requiring an acrobatic clearance from Rakitskiy to clear behind for a corner kick. When the cross comes in Leverkusen once again spurn a set-piece opportunity, as Kiessling in penalised for a pushing inside the box.
More like it from Leverkusen as they win another free kick in a dangerous position, this time for Srna's trip on Sam. Castro lines up to take but his effort clipped towards the far post is ready by Pyatov, who saw the strike coming and moved across to claim comfortably.
Castro soon fires over again from range as Leverkusen finally start to establish possession, with Bender and Donati just failing to feed Sam's drive inside the penalty area. Not clicking for the visitors tonight, but they remain level.
Sam's corner kick is met acrobatically by Boenisch, but he cannot control the ball off balance and fires well wide of the target, with Son's early strike testing Pyatov soon after. Shakhtar have just gone off the boil in the last five minutes and are dropping deeper in defence.
Ferreyra volleys over with time and space to do far better, but Shakhtar are soon back on the attack as Boenisch concedes a free kick just outside the penalty area with a late lunge. The Pole is booked for his challenge, with Costa's effort from the set piece deflected away as the wall does its job for the visitors.
SUBSTITUTION: Shakhtar decide to make their first change of the night with Bernard visibly tiring after a bright start. The playmaker is replaced by Ilsinho, who will look to drive down the left in the closing stages in similar fashion to Srna on the opposite flank.
The hosts have woken up once more as successive corners are knocked away by a stubborn German rearguard. Leverkusen respond by making their first change for added steel in central midfield, as Can comes on for Castro to offer a more conservative option.
YELLOW CARD! The Scottish official decides that Ferreyra deserves a caution after showing studs in a late challenge out wide. Soon after Leverkusen create their best chance of the match but once again Sam is too quick to send a rash shot towards goal, not catching a volley properly as Pyatov gathers low to his left.
YELLOW CARD! Another caution as Alex Teixeira is booked for simulation, falling to the floor under minimal contact just outside the box. The Brazilian offers little complaint when the card is produced, caught red handed trying to win a dangerous free kick.
YELLOW CARD! A flurry of bookings shows no sign of slowing down as Can enters the referee's notebook in his first action since coming, stopping Teixiera charging clear on a break after Shakhtar quickly cleared a corner kick.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Changes galore and Shakhtar are really going for it, sending on two strikers as Taion and Luiz Adriano replace Ferreyra and Douglas Costa. Leverkusen have also made a swap following Ilsinho's drive wide, as Hegeler replaces Son.
Ilsinho just has the ball taken off his toe as he attempts to shoot from 12 yards, crowded out by two covering defenders. You sense that Shakhtar are gearing up for one final onslaught here, as Kiessling draws a rash lunge from Fernando and buys his defence some time with a free kick.
Leverkusen look happy to take a point here as Srna attempts to drive down the right once more. Hegeler has been brought on to shut down that space and successfully robs the Croatian, leading to Leverkusen winning a late corner as Rakitskiy stops Kiessling controlling in the penalty area.
Rolfes switches play as Leverkusen take the sting out of Shakhtar's late effort with a concerted spell of possession. A frustrating night for the hosts as we moved quickly towards stoppage time.
One last chance for Shakhtar as Donati concedes a needless late corner after sliding in on Ilsinho. A cross from Srna finds Luiz Adriano from the follow-up, but his header lacks power as it heads low towards Leno at his near post. That should about do it for the visitors, as Kruse replaces Sam in stoppage time.
FULL-TIME Shakhtar 0-0 Leverkusen
In the end Leverkusen's stubborn resistance keeps Shakhtar at bay and Sami Hyypia's side firmly in the driving seat for second spot in Group A. The hosts will know they desperately needed maximum points tonight, but failed to make their early spell of pressure count.
It's as you were then in Group A, with Manchester United also playing out a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in tonight's other game in San Sebastian. Leverkusen still sit a point behind United, with Shahktar a further two points adrift.
That just about does it for our live coverage from the Donbass Arena, although be sure to stick with Sports Mole's home page for comprehensive reaction from across the continent on a busy night of Champions League action. Good evening.
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
