Denys Antyukh: "Today was a very crucial game"

Midfielder of "Metalist 1925" Denys Antyuk exclusively for UPL TV - about the victory over "Karpaty", his brace, and special motivation for the match:

— Congratulations on such a long-awaited victory! It was very important for you and had a great value. What are your impressions and emotions after today's match?

— Thank you! The emotions are positive. First of all, we dedicate this victory to our friend, comrade, coach - Andriy Viktorovych Polunin. This victory is for him.

— Let's talk about the goals. This may be your first brace in the last five years. The first goal - a creative decision: you chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. Did you see that Domchak was off his line, why did you choose this tactic?

— I saw that the goalkeeper came out and was already jumping, and there were no partners nearby, so I decided to shoot like that.

— The second goal. You are taught to curl passes and shots towards the goal. Was it a cross or a shot on target?

— No, it was a regular cross. We work on this in training. As they say, a good cross doesn't go to waste.

— In your opinion, what helped the team to earn these important 3 points?

— I think it was thanks to character. Today was a very crucial game. I repeat, this victory is for Viktorovych. We couldn't afford to draw or lose.

— So, the motivation and mood in your team were stronger than that of the opponents?

— Yes, today, first of all, it was the team's mood and readiness to play.