Thu Sep 19 05:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Shakhtar Donetsk Held to a Goalless Draw in Champions League Opener
Shakhtar Donetsk began their Champions League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Italian side Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Arra. The Ukrainian side started brightly, earning a penalty in the second minute after Eginaldo was brought down in the box. However, Heorhii Sudakov’s spot-kick was saved by Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.
The missed penalty seemed to inspire the Italians, who began to press Shakhtar more aggressively. The Miners were able to regain some control of the game by the middle of the first half, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. In the 32nd minute, Shakhtar’s key striker Danylo Sikan suffered a head injury after being accidentally punched by Skorupski.
The second half saw Bologna continue to dominate, with goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk making a vital save in the 51st minute to deny the home side the opening goal. Despite their best efforts, Shakhtar were unable to break down the Bologna defense and finished the match with just two shots on goal, neither of which was on target.
This draw marks Shakhtar’s sixth draw in 32 matches against Italian clubs. They will look to bounce back in their next Champions League fixture against Atalanta on October 2nd.
First Piper 