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