The latest edition of the Ukrainian Clasico between Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv delivered drama, intensity, and a potentially title-defining outcome. Despite a significant gap in the standings, this clash of giants lived up to expectations, with Shakhtar Donetsk coming from behind to secure a crucial 2–1 victory.

Much of the pre-match intrigue surrounded Arda Turan and his team selection. On one hand, facing Dynamo Kyiv is never just another league fixture. On the other, Shakhtar Donetsk still harbour ambitions in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with a semi-final clash looming in London. Balancing priorities, Arda Turan opted for significant squad rotation, underlining his intent to compete on multiple fronts.

In contrast, Ihor Kostyuk had the luxury of a full week to prepare his side. With Dynamo Kyiv focusing primarily on domestic success — including a future Ukrainian Cup final — the hosts fielded a near full-strength lineup.

Dynamo Kyiv started brightly, relying on their traditional strengths — aggressive pressing and threat from set pieces. Oleksandr Karavaev came close early on, striking the post from a corner. Moments later, the breakthrough arrived through Volodymyr Ponomarenko. The league’s breakout star showcased his class by winning possession in midfield before audaciously chipping Dmytro Riznyk from distance to make it 1–0.

The goal settled Dynamo Kyiv, while Shakhtar Donetsk struggled to find rhythm in attack. Ironically, their most dangerous moments fell to Newerton, who endured a difficult first half and was substituted at the break.

The turning point came with the introduction of Prosper. His arrival revitalised the left flank and transformed Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking structure. Just five minutes into the second half, Prosper delivered a low cross, Lassina Traoré battled physically to keep the move alive, and Lucas Ferreira applied the finish to level the score at 1–1.

Momentum had firmly shifted. On 68 minutes, Mykola Matviyenko initiated another incisive attack, combining smartly before testing Ruslan Neshcheret. The goalkeeper parried the initial effort, but Lassina Traoré reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and complete the comeback — 2–1.

Dynamo Kyiv pushed hard in the closing stages. Substitute Guerrero thought he had equalised with a powerful finish, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Late pressure followed, including a flurry of corners deep into stoppage time. Dmytro Riznyk produced a crucial save from Taras Mykhavko, while Guerrero struck the post in a dramatic final moment.

The final whistle confirmed a massive result for Shakhtar Donetsk, extending their unbeaten run to 17 matches and opening up a commanding 10-point lead at the top. With momentum firmly on their side, Shakhtar Donetsk could mathematically secure the Ukrainian Premier League title as early as the next round.

2025-26, Ukraine - Premier League

Dynamo - Shakhtar 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Ponomarenko M., 13 (1:0); Lucas Ferreira, 50 (1:1); Traoré Las., 68 (1:2)

Dynamo: Neshcheret; Vivcharenko; Karavayev; Mykhavko; Bilovar; Yarmolenko (Yatsyk, 70); Buyalskiy (Shola O., 70); Redushko (Guerrero E., 84); Mykhailenko M. (Pikhalonok, 76); Shaparenko (Dubinchak, 84); Ponomarenko M.
Substitution: Yatsyk (from 70); Shola O. (from 70); Pikhalonok (from 76); Dubinchak (from 84); Guerrero E. (from 84)
Bench: Morhun; Surkis; Thiare; Korobov; Zakharchenko; Blănuță
Yellow Cards: Bilovar 46; Ponomarenko M. 90

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Ghram; Matviyenko; Marlon (Vinicius Т., 27); Azarov I. (Pedrinho A., 76); Bondarenko A-m (Ocheretko, 63); Nazaryna (Kryskiv, 46); Newerton (Prosper, 46); Lucas Ferreira; Isaque; Traoré Las.
Substitution: Vinicius Т. (from 27); Kryskiv (from 46); Prosper (from 46); Ocheretko (from 63); Pedrinho A. (from 76)
Bench: Tvardovskyi; Bondar V.; Pedrinho; Alisson Santana; Eguinaldo; Marlon Gomes; Luca Meirelles
Yellow Cards: Vinicius Т. 32; Matviyenko 34