HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Mykola Matviyenko’s header kept Shakhtar Donetsk alive for a spot in the Champions League round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Antwerp on Tuesday.
Shakhtar’s win, followed by Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Porto later on Tuesday, forces the Ukrainian champions to beat Porto on Dec. 13 to qualify. Otherwise, Shakhtar heads to the Europa League after the defeat that left Antwerp in last place in Group H.
Shakhtar has been a threat from set pieces in all of its group-stage games so far — and scored the only goal in its shock 1-0 win over Barcelona with a header at a free kick. The Ukrainian team did it again as Matviyenko dived forward to head in the ball off Oleksandr Zubkov’s wide free kick in the 12th minute.
Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk made some crucial saves from first Michel-Ange Balikwisha and later Arbnor Muja to keep his team in the lead. Antwerp goalkeeper Jean Butez twice tipped shots onto the crossbar, with an effort from Irakli Azarovi in the 55th and another from captain Taras Stepanenko’s seven minutes after that.
In the middle of stoppage time, experienced defender Tothrough Alderweireld had the chance to score what would have been the first point of the crusade for Antwerp. His point-blank shot was blocked by Riznyk, who then also saved Alderweireld’s header with the final touch. of the game.
The referee sent off Antwerp winger Muja after the final whistle following a confrontation between players from both teams.
Shakhtar will play all Champions League matches at home in the German city of Hamburg due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Barcelona hosts Porto in the other game in the group later Tuesday.
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