The long-awaited Ukrainian Cup Final is set to take place in Rivne, kicking off at 19:00. This marks the first final since 2021, as the tournament was interrupted in 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was not held in 2023.

Shakhtar's Road to the Final

Shakhtar Donetsk has been dominant on their path to the final, securing convincing victories over Veres (3:0), Viktoria (3:0), and Chornomorets (4:1). Their offensive prowess and solid defense have made them a formidable opponent.

Vorskla's Journey

Poltava's Vorskla, on the other hand, has shown resilience and tactical acumen, defeating Metalist-1925 (3:0), Obolon (3:0), and Polissya (1:0). The team's only major trophy is the Ukrainian Cup, which they won in 2009 by defeating Shakhtar 1:0 in the final.

Historical Context and Stakes

Shakhtar boasts an impressive record with 13 Ukrainian Cup victories, while Vorskla aims to add a second cup to their collection. The historical context adds a layer of intrigue, with Vorskla's last cup victory being a memorable win over Shakhtar.

Player Insights and Expectations

Maxym Khlyan, a Ukrainian player currently shining in Poland's Lechia, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match. He expressed hope for a new champion and believes Vorskla's aggressive counter-attacks could surprise Shakhtar.

"Of course, I'll be watching the final. I'm rooting for Vorskla because it's exciting to see new winners and leaders. Shakhtar can be surprised only by counter-attacks and bold play," said Khlyan.

Tactical Analysis: Keys to Victory

For Vorskla, exploiting counter-attacks and maintaining a disciplined defense will be crucial. Shakhtar, with their experience and depth, will look to control possession and capitalize on any defensive lapses by Vorskla.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

Khlyan predicts a 1:1 draw in regular time with Vorskla winning in a penalty shootout. Whether this prediction holds true, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested match that could reshape the landscape of Ukrainian football.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova