After a frustrating defeat two weeks ago, in Borisov (0:7), Belarus’ champions began their latest match by going on the attack. The tactic was successful until the 19th minute, when the hosts opened the score with an accurate shot at goal by captain Darijo Srna. The Ukrainian squad continued to take the initiative, requiring the Belarusian goalie, Sergey Chernik, and others in defence to work hard. Not long before halftime, Chernik again saved a fierce series of attacks on his goal, by Luiz Adriano. Anri Khagush was obliged to step in to help Chernik, and received a warning from the referee, before being removed from the field for aggressive behaviour.
In the second half, playing in the minority, Alexander Yermakovich’s trainees missed two goals and, in the 48th minute, faced two goals in the Belarusian net: the first by Alex Teixeira and the second by Luiz Adriano (who realised a penalty 10 minutes later). Adriano has claimed eight goals across two games against BATE.
After the match, the head coach of the Borisov squad, Alexander Yermakovich, admitted that his trainees had lost fairly to Shakhtar. He also noted that, in the two remaining Champions League matches, the Belarusian team will continue to fight hard, despite the strength of its rivals.
