The end of illusions: a bittersweet farewell to an era. Here are four takeaways from the Borussia vs. Shakhtar match.

The champion traditionally highlights the main points following an international match involving the Ukrainian team. We analyze the performance of the "orange and black," focusing on the most significant aspects of the match.

The Captain Who Departed Amidst Defeat

As it became known after the game, having appeared on the field in the 89th minute, 35-year-old Taras Stepanenko played his final moments as part of Shakhtar. For the highly experienced player of the Ukrainian national team, the 15th match of the season was as crucial and dramatic as the entire European campaign for the Donetsk club. However, unlike other teammates, it was also exceptionally emotional. And – rather pleasant, as the former player of Zaporizhzhia Metalurh has much to reminisce about and boast.

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Stepanenko's departure signifies not just a farewell to an era, but also a continuation of potentially tectonic shifts in Shakhtar's approach, which began after bidding farewell to Danil Sikan. However, in the case of the "orange and black," it’s more about "everything new is well forgotten old." The club is clearly aiming to return to the practice of involving a significantly larger number of foreign players, and substantial personnel changes in the team can be expected in the coming weeks.

Zubkov Is Still Far from Trabzonspor

Unlike the oldest player of the "miners," for another player of the national team, the match against Borussia represents a fresh start. In recent weeks, especially in the days leading up to the match, Alexander Zubkov has been "on the market," with only the lazy not "selling" him, and the sole, yet persistent "buyer" in the form of Trabzonspor seemed poised to expand the Ukrainian diaspora to three players.

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At least for now, it was not meant to be. Zubkov played 73 minutes, was one of the most active players on his team, and most importantly – received an unequivocal vote of confidence from Marino Pusic. The "miners" winger, amidst the ever-present threat of injury for professional footballers, fulfilled his contract before the imagined "sale." As is known, in a similar situation, another Ukrainian in a European match was kept on the bench like the apple of one's eye. Therefore, all discussions about the possible departure to Turkey of the former Ferencváros player should cease.

The Attempt to Strengthen Shakhtar's Right Flank Failed

Despite Vinicius Tobias's poor performance against Brest, Pusic once again overlooked Yukhym Konoplia, trusting the Brazilian. However, this time, the expected tricks from Tobias, who was reluctant to contribute defensively, were supposed to be "covered" by Zubkov. The latter is significantly more oriented towards the dirty work than Pedrinho, who was assigned the role of a "false nine." In contrast, the former Castilla player was expected to provide helpful football during transitions through the center of the field, which was meant to create additional pressure and a striking connection with the Ukrainian.

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This strategy did not work, as Tobias not only clearly lost his duel with Hittens but also was largely unhelpful in attack. Vinicius's passivity in the opponent's half of the field, coupled with helplessness in defending his own territory, led to significant gaps between attack and defense on the right flank of the "miners," as the Brazilian was unable to keep up. Thus, instead of becoming a primary platform for subsequent actions, Shakhtar's right flank turned into the most problematic area for the visitors.

The Ukrainian Champion Cannot Compete at the Champions League Level

7 points in 8 matches, 27th position out of 36 possible, 8 goals scored against 16 conceded. How can such a performance be considered successful? In reality, the answer to this question lies in the realm of emotions. With which not only Ukrainian fans but also experts and journalists on the international stage in the 2024/25 season have frankly struggled.

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The experiences of matches involving Shakhtar as the best club in the country following the 2024/25 season, as well as all three other representatives in three different club tournaments, have shown just how each of those who care about Ukrainian football has lived (or lives?) in a state of illusion. Before the start of the season, expectations from Ukrainian clubs in European competitions ranged from anything to not such a pitiful outcome, in terms of acquisitions in the UEFA coefficient table, as a result of their efforts. The reality is that UPL teams, in terms of results in matches against clubs from other countries, are "surviving" just as citizens do literally under daily enemy bombardments. And this situation, despite the reluctance to acknowledge it, has not formed just yesterday.

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For Ukraine, in its current football state, the main round of the Champions League appears to be a pleasant bonus. And if it becomes clear next summer that there will be no representative from the UPL in the main European cup come autumn – it will be an expected reality, not an unpleasant surprise. Regardless of which club finds this burden unmanageable.