Shakhtar's Brazilians up for Sporting test

Direct confrontation
A 2-1 win at FC Basel 1893 on Matchday 1 ensured Shakhtar flew out of the blocks in Group C, but a home defeat by the same scoreline against FC Barcelona has taken some of the gloss of their campaign already. Sporting are next up on Wednesday, for the first instalment of a UEFA Champions League double-header, and 24-year-old midfielder Jadson is sure it will be a crucial tie. "The match against Sporting will be a decisive game," he said, noting that the battle for second place in the section may well be a "direct confrontation between the two teams".

Bitter memories
Fellow midfielder Fernandinho, 23, did not disagree, but noted: "Of course we'll be well motivated against Sporting but had we won against Barcelona the motivation would have been even higher and our chances of reaching the second phase would have been even bigger." Shakhtar were 1-0 up through Ilsinho three minutes from time against Barcelona only for two late Lionel Messi goals to turn the tie on its head. "There's a curse of the last minutes for Shakhtar that has been happening lately," said Fernandinho. Jadson added ruefully: "Nobody wants to remember those last few minutes."

Big dream
The learning curve remains a steep one for both players, whose compatriots Ilsinho and Luiz Adriano are out of Wednesday's game, but such cruel moments of drama are part of what lured the Brazilians to Europe in the first place. "To play in the Champions League is something exceptional because it's the best club competition in the world," said Fernandinho. Jadson agreed, conceding: "You can get a bit emotional when it's your first time."

Weekly gatherings
Playing in Europe has meant a huge wrench for Fernandinho, Jadson and their four other Brazilian team-mates at Shakhtar. "It's difficult to be away from home and the family, the people you like and the people who like you, but everything involves sacrifice," said Fernandinho, who moved to Donetsk in 2005. "In the last six months we have met up a lot, practically once a week, along with other Brazilians who also live in the city."

Homesickness on hold
Such social gatherings have helped the players maintain their ties with the home country and also strengthened relationships within the squad. The homesickness is unlikely to go away, but for Jadson, there are bigger things to worry about. "I'm here fighting for my dream," he said. "I always wanted to be a professional football player. When I achieve all my objectives in football, then I can think about going back to be with my family and friends."