Dynamo retain edge on Shakhtar

FC Dynamo Kyiv have continued their dominance over FC Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine by claiming the Supercup on Tuesday night.

New campaign
Having pipped Shakhtar to the 2006/07 league title and also defeated them 2-1 in May's cup final, Dynamo were again victorious, running out 4-2 winners on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the traditional new season curtain-raiser. The two clubs will go head to head again this Sunday in the first round of the new season when Dynamo, celebrating their 80th anniversary this year, travel to Shakhtar.

Mikhalik strong
Anatoliy Demyanenko, unsuprisingly voted the best coach of last season, fielded an experimental Dynamo squad although international midfielder Taras Mikhalik proved to be the main man. Shakhtar had the stronger lineup and their early superiority told when 19-year-old newcomer Olexandr Hladkiy, who scored 13 goals for FC Kharkiv last season, struck in the 14th minute. Dynamo fought back well and Mikhalik equalised just before the half-hour mark and added a second soon afterwards.

VIP guest
Shakhtar rallied and it was no surprise when Ukraine midfielder Serhiy Tkachenko levelled on 55 minutes. For all their efforts, they could not find a winning goal and the match went straight to a penalty shoot-out in front of UEFA Honorary President Lennart Johansson. Shakhtar missed twice and Dynamo just once leaving Mykola Morozyuk, another talented 19-year-old, to strike the winning penalty for the double winners. Both clubs are also aiming to reach the UEFA Champions League, with Shakhtar starting a stage before their rivals in the second qualifying round against either Derry City FC or FC Pyunik.