Shakhtar shine at Dynamo's expense

Shakhtar revenge
Shakhtar, the champions, lost the Ukrainian Cup final to Dynamo at the end of May, but got their revenge in Odessa on Saturday as they won 3-2 in a shoot-out following a 1-1 draw. The result also avenged their Super Cup defeat by Dynamo last season in the competition's inaugural edition.

Rebrov back
Dynamo were without the suspended Jerko Leko and Rodrigo da Costa, as new coach Leonid Buriak named a surprise lineup including Serhiy Rebrov, Ruslan Rotan, Oleksandr Aliyev and Edgaras Cesnauskis. Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu was missing the suspended Matuzalem but was otherwise at full strength, with Vyacheslav Shevchuk the only new face.

Early opener
Shakhtar quickly seized the initiative and went ahead in the fifth minute. Dynamo defender Goran Sablic gave the ball away to Elano Blumer, and the Brazilian made the most of his unexpected opportunity. But the Premier League runners-up hit back before half-time through Valentin Belkevich's free-kick from a tight angle.

Byelik chances
Both teams created chances during the second half but could not break through. Ukraine striker Oleksiy Byelik twice went close for Shakhtar but was denied on each occasion by Dynamo keeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi.

'Important trophy'
Penalties directly followed the 90 minutes, with Shakhtar prevailing after misses from Dynamo's Sablic and Maksim Shatskikh. Lucescu said: "Shakhtar have won an important trophy after the sort of match that will add to the club's traditions. The Super Cup may not mean much, but the full stadium underlines how important it is."

'Top condition'
Dynamo coach Buriak added: "Despite it being the start of the season, the teams were in top condition. We have praised our players for their commitment. Shakhtar are our arch-rival, but we did not try to win at any cost."

New season
The Premier League season begins on Tuesday before the big two start their campaigns on Wednesday. Dynamo take on FC Metalurh Zaporizhya while Shakhtar face FC Volyn Lutsk. Both sides will compete in the UEFA Champions League with Shakhtar, as champions, commencing in the third qualifying round while Dynamo get under way a round earlier.

Benítez leaves
Shakhtar have announced that Paraguay defender Pedro Benítez is leaving the club to rejoin Club Cerro Porteño. The 24-year-old did not feature for Shakhtar during a year-long spell.