Metalist bring rod of iron to the UEFA Cup

Huge crowd
Having lost 1-0 in the opening leg in Turkey, a 40,000-strong crowd helped roar the Ukrainian side to a 4-1 win in Kharkov, and fans were reluctant to let the players return to their dressing room after the match as they belied their lowly European status. "We won it so confidently," marvelled the 56-year-old Markevich. "Nobody should have any doubts about the strength of this team."

Modern contenders
While their European experience amounts to just eight games to date, Metalist are an increasingly powerful force in Ukraine. They won bronze medals in the league for the second time in three seasons last time around, and lie third in the table at the moment, playing some spectacular and entertaining football, with much credit due to their experienced coach.

Edmar influence
Brazilian playmaker Edmar, signed from SC Tavriya Simferopol in 2007, has been crucial to the 83-year-old club's regeneration, and is looking forward to the next chapter of their European fairytale. "We have to be ready to play against our next opponents," he said, adding: "This group of players have lot of confidence in themselves thanks to our head coach Markevich."

Crucial progress
Markevich's men lost out to Everton FC at the same stage of the UEFA Cup last season, as they returned to European competition for the first time in 19 years since entering the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup as USSR Cup holders. However, the experience of their brief 2007/08 campaign and some key signings have made them a much tougher proposition this time around.

Personality match
While they cannot match the likes of FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Dynamo Kyiv for budget, Metalist have assembled a handy squad, with goalkeeper Olexandr Goriainov, defender Papa Gueye, Edmar and strikers Marko Dević and Jajá in many scouts' notebooks. "We have tried to avoid signing players whose personalities do not suit Metalist," beamed Markevich. "You can see the results."

Upward curve
The club are certainly feeling optimistic, a far cry from their situation not long after independence when they dropped out of the Ukrainian top tier and were almost relegated again. They recovered, and since president Olexandr Yaroslavskii's arrival in 2006, are as strong as ever. "Metalist's debut in Europe was 20 years ago, but now we are going to host group stage games," said Markevich. His enthusiasm is proving infectious.