Despite finishing bottom of the group, Shakhtar Donetsk managed to beat APOEL in their final group game, thus ensuring that the Champions League new boys APOEL do not finish top of the group.
APOEL had a real chance of finishing top of the group, which would have been extremely surprising given that they had entered into the Champions League only a few seasons ago. However, Shakhtar Donetsk proved that they do have a lot of quality within their squad – despite not qualifying for the next stages of the Champions League.
Shakhtar Donetsk were extremely brilliant in the match and played a brand of champagne football, which we have not seen from the Ukrainians so far in the competition. However, it comes a little bit too late given that they have already went out of the Champions League. They finish bottom of the group just below FC Porto, but this victory would have given them enough confidence to dominate their domestic campaign. Despite being the home team, APOEL rarely saw the ball and would have been extremely disappointed with the way they were unable to finish top of the group. This would have ensured that they would be avoiding the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but as it is, they would be happy just to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
Luis Adriano scored the goal for Shakhtar Donetsk in the 62nd minute and they soon doubled their lead through the substitute Yevgen Seleznov. Former Arsenal striker Eduardo came on as a substitute, but was unable to get into the party by scoring. Yevgen Seleznov’s goal late on in the match looked to have sealed the things for Shakhtar Donetsk, and it indeed was true, as APOEL failed to create any clear-cut chances following the goal.