Drobný stands firm in face of Metalist assault

FC Metalist Kharkiv had to settle for a point from their UEFA Cup group-stage debut as Hertha BSC Berlin goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobný helped to secure a goalless draw for the visitors.

Drobný return
The Ukrainian Premier League high-fliers dominated for long periods, but struggled to create clear opportunities and those shots they did get on target were foiled by the impressive Drobný, who had missed Hertha's 5-1 weekend loss to Werder Bremen through injury. The Bundesliga outfit now have two points from two games in Group B after a 1-1 draw with SL Benfica on Matchday 1.

Early efforts
Forward Marko Dević led the onslaught on the Hertha goal as Drobný faced a barrage of early shots from the hosts. The Czech keeper did well to deny Dević and also repelled efforts from Dević's strike partner Jajá and Jonatan Maidana. With Hertha under pressure, Andriy Voronin – playing in his homeland – attempted to inspire his team midway through the opening half, but his shooting was awry as he first fired wide from 12 metres, then over from just outside the box. Cicero Santos also failed to find his range for the away side as Hertha struggled to assert themselves in Kharkov.

Second-half dominance
Disappointed by a lack of chances, though boosted by their monopoly of the ball, the home team continued to plug away after half-time. However, Drobný foiled Vitalie Bordian from 25 metres and saved Dević's close-up header. His counterpart, Olexandr Goriainov, was also pressed into action as Gojko Kačar nodded Voronin's cross goalwards, yet it was Metalist who had the final chance as that man Drobný came to Hertha's rescue again – frustrating substitute Ruslan Fomin in added time.