Oleksandr Gladky scored a brilliant goal

The former forward of Shakhtar and Dynamo, Oleksandr Gladkiy, became a hero of Avangard by scoring a spectacular goal and saving the team from defeat in a match of the Second League.

Is the former forward of Shakhtar and Dynamo back in the game?

The ex-forward of Dynamo, Shakhtar, and the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Gladkiy, helped Avangard from Lozova to earn their first point in the professional championship. In the third round match of the Second League, the 38-year-old footballer led his team onto the field with the captain's armband and became the main hero of the meeting against Olexandria-2.

Important! Gladkiy scored in the final minutes and secured a draw.

Is Gladkiy a hero?

Avangard conceded at the end of the first half and found themselves in a position where they had to play catch-up. For a long time, the hosts couldn't break through the opponent's organized defense and create enough dangerous moments near their goal. It seemed that Olexandria-2 would maintain a minimal advantage and take three points.

However, the team from Lozova did not give up and continued to seek opportunities for salvation. The decisive moment came in stoppage time of the second half. In the 92nd minute, Avangard organized a successful attack, which ended with a spectacular goal by their experienced captain.

Gladkiy received the ball in the penalty area of Olexandria-2, quickly assessed the situation, and shot with his left foot. The striker did not strike the ball hard, but technically chipped it over the goalkeeper. A soft "parachute" emerged, dropping behind the goalkeeper's back and bringing Avangard the long-awaited goal.

Second League, third round.

Avangard - Olexandria-2 - 1:1.

Goals: Gladkiy, 90+2 - Rudik, 44.

When did Gladkiy last score?

This goal was special for Oleksandr because he had not scored professionally since March 4, 2023. The last time the striker scored was while playing for Chornomorets in the Ukrainian Premier League. After parting ways with the sailors, Gladkiy left the team as a free agent.

In January 2024, the footballer joined Avangard, where he combined the roles of a player and a sports director. Despite his administrative role, Gladkiy continued to take the field and help the team with his experience. In the match against Olexandria-2, it was his goal that prevented the club from defeat.

For Avangard, this was their debut season at the professional level. In May, the club from Lozova won the Ukrainian Amateur Cup, after which they obtained professional status and applied to participate in the Second League. The initial matches in the new status proved to be challenging, but the team managed to achieve an important result against Olexandria-2.

Gladkiy's goal was the debut for Avangard in the Second League. At the same time, this goal brought the club its first point in the professional championship. Therefore, the captain's successful strike holds not only emotional but also historical significance for the team.