Shakhtar Donetsk Edge Dynamo Kyiv in Penalty Shootout to Win 2025 Ukrainian Cup

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Shakhtar Donetsk rescued their season in dramatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Dynamo Kyiv on penalties

Shakhtar Donetsk rescued their season in dramatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Dynamo Kyiv on penalties to claim the 2025 Ukrainian Cup. The final, held for the first time in Zhytomyr, was decided from the spot after a 1–1 draw in regular time and extra-time.

First Half: Yarmolenko Breaks the Deadlock

There wasn’t much to write home about in the opening 45 minutes—tense, tactical, and, frankly, dull. Neither side showed attacking flair, and Shakhtar didn’t manage a single shot on target before the break. But Dynamo Kyiv surprised many by stepping away from their usual counter-attacking style, pressing higher up the pitch and unsettling Shakhtar’s rhythm.

That pressure paid off in the 43rd minute. A midfield turnover allowed Volodymyr Dubinchak to whip in a cross from the left, and veteran captain Andriy Yarmolenko calmly slotted home into the far corner, giving Dynamo a deserved lead before the interval.

Second Half: Impact Sub Alisson Saves the Day

Shakhtar’s lack of attacking ideas forced coach Marino Pušić into early changes. He overhauled the midfield and brought on Alisson, who made an immediate impact. Just two minutes after coming on, the Brazilian floated a perfect ball into the box for Elias, who headed home the equalizer in the 64th minute—Shakhtar’s first shot on target.

Suddenly, the momentum shifted. Georgiy Sudakov tested Ruslan Neshcheret with a fierce strike, but the Dynamo keeper was equal to it. Meanwhile, Dynamo’s offensive power faded as tired legs forced off key men like Mykola Shaparenko, Yarmolenko, and Vitaliy Buyalskyi.

Extra Time and Penalty Drama

It was the third extra-time appearance for Shakhtar in this cup campaign. But unlike previous rounds against Oleksandriya and Polissya, there would be no late winner. Instead, injuries forced Dynamo into survival mode, especially after both and Denys Popov picked up knocks. Popov stayed on the pitch but couldn’t contribute defensively—leaving Kyiv vulnerable.

Then came the lottery of penalties. Both teams held their nerve until Elias stepped up. His casual run-up and weak effort were easily saved, but a VAR review showed Neshcheret had stepped off his line. Given a second chance, Elias went the same way—same style, same corner—but this time it hit the net. Bold? Maybe. Risky? Absolutely. Effective? Yes.

In the sixth round, heroics came from Dmytro Riznyk. Oleksandr Karavayev, no stranger to big moments in Dynamo colours, failed to convert, and Riznyk’s low save sealed the victory. Cue the celebrations: Shakhtar Donetsk are the 2025 Ukrainian Cup champions!

Legacy and What's Next

With this triumph, Shakhtar remain the most decorated team in Ukrainian Cup history. More importantly, the win guarantees them a place in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League, offering a new path to European redemption after a challenging domestic season.

2024-25, Ukraine - Cup

Shakhtar - Dynamo 1:1 (0:1), shoot-out 6:5
Goals: Yarmolenko, 43 (0:1); Kauã Elias, 64 (1:1)

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Bondar V.; Vinicius Т. (Ghram, 102); Matviyenko; Pedrinho A.; Bondarenko A-m (Kryskiv, 62); Pedrinho (Alisson Santana, 62); Sudakov (Tsukanov, 90); Kevin; Marlon Gomes (Nazaryna, 62); Eguinaldo (Kauã Elias, 46)
Bench: Fesiun; Azarov I.; Farina; Newerton; Traoré Las.; Shved M.
Yellow Cards: Eguinaldo 34; Marlon Gomes 54

Dynamo: Neshcheret; Dubinchak (Vivcharenko, 104); Mykhavko (Bilovar, 112); Popov D.; Tymchyk; Buyalskiy (Pikhalonok, 81); Mykhailenko M.; Yarmolenko (Voloshyn N., 81); Vanat; Kabayev (Karavayev, 91); Shaparenko (Brazhko, 74)
Bench: Morhun; Dyachuk M.; Braharu; Rubchynskyi; Guerrero E.; Ponomarenko M.
Yellow Cards: Vanat 54; Yarmolenko 61; Dubinchak 97

another languages: uk ru

NewsRSS - News - Terrikon

07 October

19:21
Woltemade Still in Contention for Germany Call-Up Despite Illness
18:24
Kylian Mbappé Cleared to Play for France
17:13
Arsenal Consider Temporary Move to Wembley Stadium
16:28
Lamine Yamal Targeting Stunning Return for El Clásico
13:09
Koopmeiners Called Up to the Netherlands Squad Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
10:44
Chelsea Eye Brentford Midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk
10:18
FC Bayern Munich Open Talks with Marc Guéhi
08:14
UEFA Greenlights Overseas League Matches

06 October

11:50
Steven Gerrard Linked With Shock Return to Rangers
10:14
Celta Vigo Hold Atlético Madrid to Tense Draw
09:24
Ethan Mbappé Haunts PSG in Costly Draw
08:53
U20 World Cup: All Knockout Stage Pairs
08:38
Goalless Nerves in Turin: Watch Highlights of Juventus vs Milan

05 October

21:55
Napoli Fight Back to Beat Genoa and Join Roma at the Top of Serie A
21:02
Shakhtar Donetsk Suffers First Defeat Under Arda Turan
20:57
Haaland Strike Sends Manchester City Up to Fifth in Premier League
19:39
Barcelona Crushed by Sevilla in Stunning La Liga Upset
19:14
Aston Villa Climb Away from the Drop with Second Straight Win
18:59
Stuttgart Edge Heidenheim to Stay in Bundesliga Top Four
18:43
Everton and Mykolenko End Crystal Palace’s Historic Unbeaten Run
18:32
Dovbyk Assists as Roma Come from Behind to Beat Fiorentina
18:09
Pressure Mounts as Postecoglou’s Forest Fall to Newcastle
17:07
Russell Wins in Singapore as McLaren Clinch Constructors' Championship
10:00
U20 World Cup 2025: Brazil Crash Out After Group Stage Heartbreak
09:50
Vinícius Jr. Fires Real Madrid Past Villarreal in Title Clash