Shakhtar Donetsk came from behind to beat Roma 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 meeting Wednesday thanks to a spectacular winner from Brazil midfielder Fred. Turkish youngster Cengiz Ünder, who has drawn attention with his rising performance recently, scored for Roma.
The Ukrainians from Shakhtar go to quarter finals, after having pipped Serie A leaders Napoli to a last 16 place after beating Man City in their final group match
It was another impressive result for Shakhtar, which beat Manchester City and Napoli in Ukraine in the group stages of this season’s competition.
Shakhtar are playing their home matches in Kharkiv as the stadium in Donetsk was damaged by the conflict in Ukraine.
The hosts came out strongly after the break and squared the tie through Facundo Ferreyra, who raced clean through and slotted a low shot inside the far post.
Roma’s early confidence started to ebb away as Shakhtar took control of the game and were rewarded for their second half display when Fred lifted a wonderful free-kick over the Roma wall and beyond keeper Allison Becker via the underside of the bar.
Becker saved Roma from a heavier defeat with a stunning stoppage time save from Ferreyra, who seemed certain to score with the goal gaping.
In the other Champions League game of the night, last season’s Europa League winners Manchester United held Sevilla to a goalless draw, as David De Gea starred for the visitors. Both second legs will take place on March 13.
UkraynaHaber.com
