A late Antonio Rudiger goal denied Shakhtar Donetsk a famous win over Real Madrid last night, but it was an interview with the club's Sporting Director and former Ukranian international Darijo Srna which captured the hearts of viewers.
Rudiger's 95th minute header may have denied Shakhtar Donetsk all three points last night in Poland (where the side have been playing their home games due to the ongoing war in Ukraine) but it certainly hasn't dented their hopes of progressing into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
In their starting line up last night, 10 Ukranians featured, with eight of them products of the club's youth academy and seven of those under the age of 23. The perseverance of Shakhtar in Europe, given the horrific situation in their home country, is nothing short of remarkable.
Oleksandr Zubkov's goal just after half time gave the Ukranians the lead, as they showed that they could go head to head with Europe's elite.
Srna on Shakhtar Donetsk coming so close
Speaking to CBS Golazo and Peter Schmeichel after the game, Shakhtar Donetsk Sporting Director Darijo Srna introduced the world to young Ukrainian boy Ilia. Srna and Shakhtar helped the 7-year-old to find an adopted family after he became an orphan in Mariupol during the war.
Srna said that he was upset with the outcome of the game, but proud of how his team performed.
I'm really sad, to concede a goal in the last second. It's a pity because we play amazing, amazing game today against the best team in the world. Like I said before the game, I'm proud of this team. I'm proud, really proud.
My heart is full and this is not victory but it's one point for our Ukraine.
Shakhtar's adopted son Ilia also got to meet with Luka Modric after the game. The Croatian midfielder gifted the child his match worn jersey after the final whistle.
Seven-year-old Ilia became an orphan in Mariupol during the war in Ukraine.
Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna tells @PSchmeichel1 how the club helped find him adopted parents. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7N3d2jLQGg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 11, 2022
It's an outstanding achievement for Shakhtar Donetsk who have had to endure and play through horrendous heartbreak and issues over the past few months.
The players, management and staff are a credit to their country and after the devastating bombing in Kyiv a few days ago, hopefully last night's result can give the people of Ukraine a small boost and glimmer of hope.
Shakhtar are currently sitting in third place in Group F on five points, but if they manage to beat Celtic in a fortnights time and should Real Madrid deny RB Leipzig a win, it will put them into second place in the group, when they face the German side in the final game of the group stage.
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