Sergei Palkin expecting Shakhtar Donetsk to defeat Zenit St. Petersburg – UEFA Champions League news
Shakhtar Donetsk Director General, Sergei Palkin, has summed up Shakhtar’s performances in the group stages of UEFA Champions League, tipping them to win the upcoming crunch home clash against Zenit St. Petersburg.
Having lost the opening group stage game 2-1 against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186, the Ukrainian club managed to claim a 1-1 draw against FC Apoel in the second match. The Miners are yet to win a group stage European encounter under coach Mircea Lucescu.
Palkin insisted that Shakhtar need to win the upcoming European tie against the Meshki if they are to progress to the later stages of the Champions League.
Speaking on the rivalry between the two clubs, he said:
“There is a rivalry because the two clubs; they are from the former Soviet Union. Therefore, it is quite interesting and intriguing game. I can assure you that in terms of emotional intensity, it will be very strong.”
Palkin is of the opinion that this game will reveal which league is better of the two: Russian Premier League or the Ukrainian Premier League.
The Director General highlighted that Shakhtar are currently atop the league table but are facing difficulties playing in Europe.
Speaking on the earlier defeat against Porto, he blasted the referees for their decisions.
“If you take the game against Porto, I believe that the primary responsibility for this result lies on the referee. Because, in the 26th minute, we could have been winning 2-0 and the result would have been different.” The Ukrainian national was quoted as
saying
He added: “We did not underestimate APOEL, but unfortunately we were not able to create many chances. Of course, we know that we need to improve.”
Palkin went on to express his opinion on the draw against the Cypriot First Division club, APOEL. The Director General was all praise for the mix of Brazilian, Argentine and Portuguese players they have at their disposal and lauded the beautiful football
they play.
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