Shakhtar Donetsk and head coach Marino Pušić had a point to prove in Sunday’s clash against fierce rivals Dynamo Kyiv—but they failed to deliver. The 2-2 draw means Shakhtar have now gone winless against Dynamo in both Ukrainian Premier League meetings this season.

Dynamo remain unbeaten in the league and, more crucially, maintain top spot in the table as the title race heads into its final stretch. With just a few games to go, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi’s side now have one hand on the trophy.

While the title is not yet officially theirs, this result felt like a psychological blow dealt to Shakhtar ahead of their upcoming Ukrainian Cup Final meeting. For the reigning champions, it’s time for serious reflection—on the squad, on performances, and perhaps most of all, on their recruitment strategy heading into next season.

2024-25, Ukraine - Premier League

Shakhtar - Dynamo 2:2 (2:0)
Goals: Kevin, 6 (penalty) (1:0); Eguinaldo, 20 (2:0); Vanat, 56 (2:1); Kabayev, 93 (2:2)

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Bondar V.; Vinicius Т. (Kryskiv, 62); Ghram; Matviyenko; Pedrinho A.; Bondarenko A-m; Pedrinho (Alisson Santana, 62); Kevin; Marlon Gomes (Nazaryna, 62); Eguinaldo (Traoré Las., 62)
Bench: Tvardovskyi; Azarov I.; Farina; Sudakov; Hlushchenko; Newerton; Kauã Elias; Shved M.
Yellow Cards: Alisson Santana 78

Dynamo: Neshcheret; Dubinchak (Vivcharenko, 96); Mykhavko; Popov D.; Tymchyk; Buyalskiy (Pikhalonok, 85); Mykhailenko M.; Yarmolenko; Vanat; Kabayev (Bilovar, 96); Shaparenko (Brazhko, 85)
Bench: Morhun; Dyachuk M.; Karavayev; Braharu; Voloshyn N.; Luchkevych; Rubchynskyi; Guerrero E.
Yellow Cards: Dubinchak 80