Lisitsky - about the past round of the UPL

The last round in the UPL changed the leader of the standings. Now the peloton is led by "Polissya" and "Shakhtar". Meanwhile, "Dynamo" lost points again, for the second match in a row. About the most significant events of the last game day, the website Sport.ua exclusively talked to the former defender of the Ukrainian national team, football expert Vitaliy Lysytskyi.

– Vitaliy, what will you remember about the 5th round in the UPL?

– First of all, the fact that five draws were recorded. I can't remember the last time this happened. It was noticeable that there were enough goal-scoring opportunities in the matches, but the finishing was not at the highest level. The quality in the final stage of the attack leaves something to be desired.

– "Polissya" and "Shakhtar" are at the top of the standings. Everything according to plan?

– In principle, yes. I would also add "Karpaty" here. These three teams are currently rightfully leading not only in terms of results but also in terms of gameplay.

– The central match of the round took place in Lviv. How did it go?

– I liked the "Karpaty" - "Shakhtar" match. The hosts started the game strongly and scored a goal. A little later, Arda Turan's team started to act faster. Yes, there weren't many chances to score in this match, nor many shots, but the intensity was good. And the quality of the game was evident. The ball was not lost in simple situations.

– Did "Shakhtar" manage to put "Karpaty" in their place?

– I can't say that the "miners" were significantly stronger than their opponent. The team just showed that their skill in the final stage of the attack was slightly better, as evidenced by the two goals they scored.

– The second most important match of the round took place in Kyiv. LNz achieved the result they needed, while "Dynamo" stumbled again...

– I was at this match and I can confidently say that Kyiv looked much better in terms of gameplay than their opponent. They had at least three chances to score. LNz built their game correctly for such a match. The Cherkasy team can consider this draw a success for themselves.

Naturally, Dynamo fans will be disappointed with such a result. But this is football, where the strongest team does not always win.

– In the last championship, Dynamo finished fourth. This season, Kyiv was disgracefully eliminated from European competitions and now cannot win two matches in a row in the UPL. Consequently, criticism is mounting. What do Dynamo players lack?

– I believe that the criticism is justified. Everyone is used to Dynamo often winning and demonstrating great attacking football. Currently, objective reasons are affecting the team's performance, reasons that the club management, coaching staff, and players probably know about. In my opinion, there are players in the team who do not meet the level of such a club. Dynamo lacks qualified performers.

– Where exactly are Kyiv lacking?

– I think this applies to every line of the team.

– "Kharkiv", which many experts considered contenders for medals before the season, gaining momentum?

– Judging by the recent results, yes. The team scores a lot. However, it is worth noting that Mladen Bartulovich's team lost two matches to potential competitors. It is a fact that they have strong players. But let's see in the long run if Kharkiv is ready for new achievements.

– Globally speaking, who are the main candidates for the top spots in your opinion?

– I have already mentioned "Polissya", "Shakhtar", and "Karpaty", and they will be strong contenders. I would also include "Kharkiv" in this group of teams. I hope that Dynamo and LNz will join them. "Epicenter" opponents will not have an easy time, and I dare say that even "Bukovyna" and "Kolos", who have stumbled a bit so far.

Due to the personnel potential, Shakhtar stands out a bit, the other five teams are roughly equal, so we hope that in the future we will see uncompromising battles and many unpredictable results, as it was in the last championship. I think we will have a clearer picture after the teams complete 10 rounds.