In the midst of the Russian war of aggression, Dynamo Kyiv is trying to qualify for the Champions League. However, the Ukrainian team fails at Benfica Lisbon. The Portuguese coached by Roger Schmidt are too strong in both games.
The dream of the Champions League has burst for the Ukrainian soccer record champion Dynamo Kyiv, while coach Roger Schmidt can look forward to big duels with Benfica Lisbon in the premier class. Kyiv clearly lost to the Portuguese record champions in the second leg of the playoff with 0:3 (0:3). Dynamo lost the first leg in Lodz, Poland, 2-0.
Nicolas Otamendi (27'), Rafa (40') and David Neres (42') made everything clear for Schmidt's team at the Estadio da Luz before the break. National player Julian Weigl, who has a difficult time at Benfica and is said to be on the verge of a move to Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, came on in the 70th minute at last year's quarter-finalists. After the final whistle, Schmidt emphasized his good effort: "Julian was awake after he came on and was there straight away. He's a top player, also for Benfica."
Kyiv played only their sixth competitive game since the start of the Russian war of aggression. Play in the Ukrainian league has only just resumed.
Viktoria Pilsen also prevailed in the playoffs against Qarabag Agdam from Azerbaijan. After the 0-0 in the first leg, the Czechs won 2-1 (0-1). Maccabi Haifa handed a 2-2 (0-2) win at Red Star Belgrade (first leg 3-2).
The lucrative group stage of the Champions League will be drawn on Thursday. The first matchday is for 6./7. scheduled for Sept. Germany is represented for the first time with five teams: FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt.
